While app-based cab-hailing service providers such as Uber and Ola have often faced issues with state governments, they’ve finally got a positive response in Tamil Nadu. Both the companies — Uber and Ola, will set up kiosks at Chennai Metro Rail stations within a month.
The move is said to help commuters with last mile connectivity. According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), spots have been identified in both elevated and underground stations where private cab operators can put up their kiosks.
Commenting on this, an official said:
We know there are many who use only mobile apps for these taxi services but we want to place the kiosks for senior citizens and those who don’t use mobile apps. We are holding discussions with the operators and they should be installed in a month.
It appears that the authorities are planning to have four kiosks at each station. On the underground stretch, this facility would be provided on Thirumangalam, Nehru Park, and Shenoy Nagar metro stations. On the elevated stretch, Koyambedu, CMBT, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar, Ekkatuthangal, Alandur, and Chennai airport stations will have the kiosk facility.
Depending on the response for the service at these selected stations, the kiosk-based service could be extended to other stations as well. An official said:
Depending on the feedback from commuters, we may extend it to other stations too.
Soon after the underground stretch was inaugurated, we decided to bring in this facility. For instance, if a commuter gets off at Nehru Park station and has to go his residence in Purasaiwalkam, these services may come in handy.
Apart from this, Chennai Metro Rail has also tied up with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and mini buses through many of the stations. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) too has partnered with Uber and has counters in 12 stations.
Uber has also signed up with Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) to have a dedicated parking-cum- pick-up zone outside the P-2 terminal. The company signed MoU with KIA – Bangalore calling it the U-Zone.
