Odd-Even Scheme: Transport Minister to Ensure No Surge Pricing on Ola, Uber

The Delhi government will ensure that there is no surge-pricing by app-based cab aggregators Ola and Uber during the implementation of odd-even car scheme, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said on Thursday. The minister said that he has called a meeting with representatives of Ola and Uber on Friday to discuss the issue.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Gahlot said, "A meeting has been called with the representatives of Ola and Uber. The government will ensure that there is no surge-pricing during the odd-even scheme."

However, after the announcement of the road rationing scheme, taxi hailing app Uber in a tweet tagging Gahlot said it would not levy dynamic or surge pricing till the time odd-even car rule will be in place in Delhi next week. Uber also said UberPOOL and UberMOTO services will be available at discounted rates during the period, while travel to and from the metro will have special fares.

Separately, in a press statement, Uber India General Manager, North and Delhi NCR, Prabhjeet Sing, said, "This is a moment of crisis and public health emergency in Delhi NCR. Uber is committed to fully supporting the odd-even scheme... We are also securing anti-pollution masks for staff as well as our driver partners. Masks are being made available on priority at all our driver touch-points and driver support centres."

The odd-even car rationing scheme will be rolled out in Delhi for five days from November 13 as part of a graded response plan to tackle the alarming level of pollution in the city. Schools have also been shut until Sunday, alert to the toxic smog enveloping the capital region. The odd-even scheme will be in place from 8am to 8pm and there will be exemption for women drivers, two-wheelers, and vehicles carrying children in school uniforms, besides VVIPs.

Written with inputs from PTI