Delhi's odd-even plan: Options for Delhi commuters

You may share a cab using Ola or Uber apps

With the Delhi government’s ambitious odd-even vehicle formula for cars kicking in from Friday, for a 15-day trial period, Delhiites will look to taxi and autorickshaw services, especially the app-based ones, as an alternative.

Under the odd-even formula, cars with odd and even number plates are to be allowed to ply on Delhi roads only on alternate days. If you are looking to public transport for this 15-day period, here are a few options:

Meru

Currently available in Delhi, Meru offers its customers the option of sharing their rides with other passengers intending to travel in the same direction. The company has started a carpooling service where private car owners and passengers can charge co-passengers for shared rides.

Uber

The US-based taxi aggregator has launched uberGO, its version of a carpool service. The customer has to select the option on the app and enter the destination. The app will then club people driving to that direction on the same ride. Fares for the shared riders will be 10-30 per cent cheaper.

Ola

Similar to the option on Meru and Uber apps, Ola’s ‘CarPool’ feature allows citizens in Delhi to pool rides using their private cars through Ola’s mobile app. Ola is providing multiple options and categories for customers, such as Ola cabs, Ola Auto, CarPool, Ola Share, and Ola Shuttle. 

PoochO

Developed by Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System Ltd (DIMTS), the application lets you call autorickshaws and taxis at your location. The app also tracks traffic in different parts of the capital. 

Jugnoo

The autorickshaw aggregator joins forces with Paytm to bring respite to Delhi citizens. This collaboration brings an offer of 100 per cent cash back on first Jugnoo ride, followed by offers on subsequent rides for transactions through the Paytm Wallet.

Things to keep in mind

When does differential pricing for Uber and Ola kick in?

When demand for rides exceeds the supply of cars, a surge-pricing mechanism kicks in. Here, the price for a ride is automatically increased in sync with the demand. On the app, you see a “surge” icon next to the products (uberGo; uberX, uberBLACK, etc) that are surging.

How do I know about dynamic pricing? 

When dynamic pricing is on, you are immediately informed before booking your ride. There is also an SMS that is sent to you reminding them you will be charged a certain amount as surge, over and above the fare. Your trip is booked only after you accept the surge price.