Uber-sensible decision for Chennai airport trips
If I've not been clear till now, let me make it known that I'm a big fan of Uber, the transport service, and their operations in India. I agree that much of their promotional stuff is pure marketing, nonetheless I find it unique and refreshing - like the free cupcakes delivery on Mothers' Day, or a free ride to and from the polling booth during elections.
However, the one thing I've not been a big fan of, is their flat rate for trips to/from the airport and anywhere in the city. In Chennai at least, this used to cost a flat rate of Rs 1,200 irrespective of distance. I've written to them a few times, and it is clear that others have too, expressing displeasure at this pricing. And it seems to have worked.
In what is a really sensible decision, Uber will no longer charge flat rates for airport trips. Instead, starting today (21 May 2014), the pricing will be the normal rates as:
In addition, however, they will charge Rs 100 as airport service fees, to cover parking and incidentals. I'd like to point out here that there's a Rs 70 charge by the airport authorities (for use of new infrastructure), which is payable if more than 5 minutes elapse between entering the toll booth and leaving it subsequently (which can happen on arrival or departure, but can be avoided if you're quick enough). Nonetheless, I don't grudge this airport service fees of Rs 100, considering the overall savings otherwise. I believe that for a lot of people, this may bring down the trip cost by a lot - up to 50% even! Read more on this, here.
This seems to be a clear case of not wanting to lose a potential market - there are tons of private taxis that I see plying the airport route. Whatever it is, it is good for the customer. Although you can no longer expect Audis, BMWs and Mercs any more in Chennai, but that doesn't make much of a difference to me.
You can also get Rs 300 off on your next airport trip, if you enter the promo code AIRPORTCHENNAI on your next trip - valid till 27 May 2014. And if you're not yet a Uber member, you could also get a further Rs 300 in credit, if you use my referral to signup - just click here (or use referral code ubermilesandevenmore).
However, the one thing I've not been a big fan of, is their flat rate for trips to/from the airport and anywhere in the city. In Chennai at least, this used to cost a flat rate of Rs 1,200 irrespective of distance. I've written to them a few times, and it is clear that others have too, expressing displeasure at this pricing. And it seems to have worked.
In what is a really sensible decision, Uber will no longer charge flat rates for airport trips. Instead, starting today (21 May 2014), the pricing will be the normal rates as:
- Rs 50 base fare
- Rs 15 per km
- Rs 2 per minute
In addition, however, they will charge Rs 100 as airport service fees, to cover parking and incidentals. I'd like to point out here that there's a Rs 70 charge by the airport authorities (for use of new infrastructure), which is payable if more than 5 minutes elapse between entering the toll booth and leaving it subsequently (which can happen on arrival or departure, but can be avoided if you're quick enough). Nonetheless, I don't grudge this airport service fees of Rs 100, considering the overall savings otherwise. I believe that for a lot of people, this may bring down the trip cost by a lot - up to 50% even! Read more on this, here.
This seems to be a clear case of not wanting to lose a potential market - there are tons of private taxis that I see plying the airport route. Whatever it is, it is good for the customer. Although you can no longer expect Audis, BMWs and Mercs any more in Chennai, but that doesn't make much of a difference to me.
You can also get Rs 300 off on your next airport trip, if you enter the promo code AIRPORTCHENNAI on your next trip - valid till 27 May 2014. And if you're not yet a Uber member, you could also get a further Rs 300 in credit, if you use my referral to signup - just click here (or use referral code ubermilesandevenmore).
Comments
Post a Comment