It has been a month since Namma Yatri, the open-mobility application which has garnered much attention for employing a commission-free approach by charging drivers a subscription fee instead of taking a percentage of revenue from rides, launched its cab services. Namma Yatri revealed to Bangalore Mirror that so far, they have been able to generate about INR 6.5 crore from more than 2.2 lakh trips and 7,000-8,000 daily transacting users growing at a steady pace. They also noted that over 40,000 cab drivers have been on boarded.When asked about the subscription charges applied to cab services, Namma Yatri noted that no charges are being levied until October 1. “The specific subscription amounts for each plan will be determined in participative manner with the community and will be introduced post-October 1,” a written response from them said.
On the other hand, subscription charges apply to auto rickshaw drivers. “At Namma Yatri, we are committed to creating a ride-hailing ecosystem that benefits both drivers and riders. Our team has been diligently optimising costs to maintain affordability and efficiency. While we’ve successfully minimised several expenses, infrastructure costs such as maps and servers remain essential to ensure the smooth operation of thousands of daily rides. To support our drivers, we have introduced a Subscription Model with two options: Daily Unlimited and Daily Per Trip. These plans are not only significantly more affordable than those offered by other aggregators but also uphold our core principle of transparency. We are unwavering in our commitment to zero-commission rides and enabling direct payments from customers to drivers,” they said.
The Daily Unlimited Plan amounts to INR 25 per day where if a driver takes no more than one ride in a day, the plan amount will not be charged for that day. The Daily Per Ride Plan amounts to INR 3.5 per trip where the maximum charge under the plan is INR 35 per day, applicable to the first 10 rides only.
When questioned about how the zero-commission model has helped cab drivers in terms of their earnings, Namma Yatri said, “Cab drivers experience a significant boost in income under the zero commission model, earning an additional INR 700 to INR 800 per day compared to the other platforms where they pay 25-30% commission. This notable increase in daily earnings mirrors the earning potential of auto drivers who make INR 300 to INR 400 more by completing 10 to 12 trips a day.” Further, it noted that the zero-commission direct-to-driver model ensures direct payment to drivers, eliminating any delays, arrears, or hidden charges. This immediate and transparent payment process enhances drivers’ sense of security and financial stability.
Namma Yatri’s cabs offer services such as non-AC mini, AC mini, sedan, and XL cab. “Non-AC mini cab, a unique addition, addresses frequent misunderstandings between drivers and customers regarding AC usage. It sets clear service expectations and competitive pricing for budget-conscious customers while promoting eco-friendly rides. The app will soon introduce inter-city, rentals, scheduled rides, and open up across Karnataka. It will also accommodate special requests like disability-friendly rides, extra luggage, traveling with pets, and trips to public transport hubs,” a press release from Namma Yatri during the launch had stated.
