Express News Service By

BENGALURU: A private taxi operator has announced Tata Nano taxis that charge lower-than-auto fares.

TaxiForSure’s new rates make taxis much cheaper than the city’s ubiquitous autorickshaws.

The Nanos charge `25 for the first two kilometres and `10 a km after that. This is `3 less than the autos, which charge `25 for the first 1.9 km and `13 for every kilometre after that.

Raghunandan G, co-founder and CEO, TaxiForSure, said, “The aggressive growth the taxi industry is seeing requires innovative ways to bring more cars onto the road.” He described the Nano as “a well-loved consumer brand perfectly suited for city travel with its small footprint and zippy commute”.

Mobile App: The service, launched on Thursday in the city, is available exclusively on the TaxiForSure mobile app which users can download.

“It will be a 24x7 service with the commuter not having to shell out any extra night charges,” he explained.

100 Nano Cabs

The service currently has 100 Nano cabs plying the streets, with more coming. “The service is not restricted to any area,” Raghunandan told Express.

The initiative will help more Nano owners become entrepreneurs. “Since we don’t own any cabs, drivers can become partners. Operators or owners give us only a percentage of the earnings of the day. They also get incentives if they meet the trip targets,” he said.

He denied TaxiforSure was attempting to price the autos out of business. “We only want to provide another option to people who don’t use sedans and hatchbacks. We don’t want to pose a threat to auto drivers,” he said.

The update is cheering many commuters. “This will mean no more hassles looking for an auto. Arguing and bargaining with drivers will also come to an end,” said Shweta, an office-goer who plans to use the service soon.

Since its launch at 6 pm on Thursday, the app had 52 confirmed bookings when Express called.

Auto Concerns

With many private cab services slashing their prices, auto drivers are feeling the heat.

“The government should fix fares for private cabs and also look at their licensing,” said Rudra Murthy, general secretary, Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union. “What will happen to the two lakh auto drivers in the city?”