Srinagar- Charging of exorbitant fare by some private cabs operating on different routes of Srinagar is taking a heavy toll on commuters.
A group of commuters told Kashmir Observer that both the companies ‘Novo Cabs’ and ‘Jugnoo’ charge extra amount once they reach their destinations.
“I booked a cab from Dalgate to Parimpora and was asked to give Rs. 230 on the mobile app. On reaching there, the driver told me to give Rs 300 while the app showed the same rate,” said a commuter Umar Javeed.
Javeed further said the driver of the Nova cab politely told him that the fault is from the company as they show one rate while booking and charge another once you reach the destination.
Another commuter Mohammad Danish told Kashmir Observer that he booked a cab from Jugnoo app from Lal Chowk to Airport and an amount of Rs 250 was shown.
“On reaching the Airport, I was asked to pay 320 by the driver,” Danish said.
The cab service providers, however, deny the charge saying when a rider books a ride the fare shown is what they call “an estimated fare”.
Majid Zargar CEO of the Nova cab service, one of the most popular cab services in Srinagar said the google map is used to calculate the distance and it shows the shortest distance between two travel points.
“The customers usually do not select the exact location they are travelling, so they end up paying extra fare”. Said Majid.
He further said the city lacks proper roads and due to traffic jams cabs take diversions due to which the distance travelled is more and you have to pay more.
“Billing is done on the basis of how much the distance has been travelled. He said.
The owner of Jugnoo cab service couldn’t be contacted.
Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, Sajid Yahya Naqash told Kashmir Observer that he was not aware of the issue but will look into the matter.
“Since the concept is new in our society and is in its infancy, there are hiccups which need to be addressed, ” he added.
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