Kerala Savari

In News 

• Kerala has launched ‘Kerala Savari’, the country’s first online taxi service owned by a State government, to ensure fair and decent service to passengers along with fair remuneration to auto-taxi workers. 

Objectives and need

• The alleged unfair trade practices and violation of consumer rights by private app-based cab aggregators have come as a major concern for governments.
• Therefore ,the Kerala government has decided to come up with an app-based platform to offer auto-taxi service for the public.

About Kerala Savari

• Operated by the Motor Workers Welfare Board under the aegis of the Labour Department.
• The taxi owner will get the approved fare on ‘Kerala Savari,’ while cab owners working for private online companies would often get a fare which is below the government-approved rate.
• It  ensures safe travel for the public at ‘government approved fares’ without any ‘surge pricing’. 
• Security related features : It is claimed as a reliable online service for women, children, and senior citizens. This consideration has been given importance in app designing and driver registration. 
  • A police clearance certificate is mandatory for drivers joining the scheme apart from the required proper training.
  • A panic button system has been introduced in the app. This button can be pressed in the event of a car accident or in cases of any other danger. 

Source:TH