HDK launches new cab aggregator Namma TYGR

Former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday launched ‘Namma TYGR’, a cab aggregator app, keeping the promise he made to disgruntled drivers attached to Ola and Uber.

In a video clip sent to DH, the former chief minister launched the service by downloading the Namma TYGR app even as he struggled to speak amid cough. The informal launch ended with Kumaraswamy wishing the drivers all the best.

“A programme to launch the app was scheduled for Monday. However, we had to advance it considering the health issues of Kumaraswamy,” said Tanveer Pasha, who earlier headed an association of drivers with Ola and Uber.

The former chief minister promised to fund the app and help the drivers after the latter staged a series of protests against the dwindling earnings on Ola and Uber platforms. The app was in the works for about four months before it saw the light of day.

“This is a not-for-profit venture. Unlike other platforms where about 25% of the earnings are taken away from drivers as commission, we will charge 12%. This will be used to provide various benefits to drivers, including insurance, maintenance of the vehicle and oil service,” Pasha said.

He said he was confident that the app will be popular with customers as the fares will be transparent. “Unlike other platforms, we won’t advertise one fare and add hidden charges later. The fares will be fixed at Rs 12.50/km for hatchbacks and Rs 14.50/km for sedans,” he said. The app launched on Thursday is only meant for driver enrolment.

“We will launch the customer app after getting a good number of drivers on the platforms to fulfil the needs of riders,” Pasha said.