Ex-Uber, Ola drivers turn to Kovai engg students for new ‘Ulaa’ app

While they are mulling over various options, including asking the government to start a venture, the drivers may have found a viable model in the form of ‘Ulaa’, a new mobile application developed by Coimbatore-based engineering graduates.

Stating that their app is still at the development stage, Aravind of Ulaa said, “We held a demonstration for the call taxi union members, who were happy with the product. At present, our team is on the lookout for investors to take off in a big way.”

Ever since they quit Uber and Ola a year ago over a dispute in payment, the drivers depended on the word of mouth publicity and WhatsApp to attractcustomers.

However, according to the union members, there is a need to find a ‘perfect’ model to sustain their fledgling call taxi service in the face of intense competition from Ola and Uber. Lacking a technology platform, they even adhered to a fixed fare regardless of the time or demand. But, it failed to generate the desired income.

“It cost nearly Rs 3 lakh to develop a mobile application and maintain its server every month. That was not economically viable for us. We also had to pay monthly charges to wallet providers such as PayTM and Google,” said M Boopathi, the general secretary of the union.

The union has expressed its willingness to work with any investors on commission basis. “This is actually a booming business. The government can develop server networks and encourage startups in this sector. We are willing to give any per cent of our income as a commission if the government helps us out,” said Boopathi.