Bhubaneswar, Aug. 22 (UDN): Commuters across Bhubaneswar are facing growing difficulties in booking rides through app-based cab services such as Ola and Uber, forcing many passengers to depend on local autorickshaws or walk long distances.
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Students, daily commuters and other passengers have reportedly struggled to secure rides, particularly when they need transport urgently. In one instance, a woman commuter was forced to walk nearly 4 km after repeated attempts to book an app-based ride failed.
The shortage of readily available cabs has also created an opportunity for local autorickshaw drivers to charge steep fares. Passengers said they were being asked to pay around Rs 300-400 for journeys of just 3-4 km, adding to the financial burden on regular commuters.
Bus Services Add to Commuters’ Woes
The problem is compounded by limited alternatives. Some passengers said city buses either do not stop at their intended locations or do not operate on routes convenient for them.
As a result, commuters are left with little choice but to hire local autos at higher fares or walk considerable distances to reach their destinations.
Passengers Raise Fare Concerns
Some commuters have also alleged discrepancies in fares displayed on ride-hailing applications. According to them, the final amount charged after completing a journey was sometimes higher than the fare initially shown while booking the ride.
Such complaints have added to concerns among passengers who increasingly rely on app-based transport for their daily travel.
Students, Office-Goers Bear the Brunt
For students travelling to colleges and coaching centres, as well as employees commuting to workplaces and residents travelling for personal needs, reliable and affordable transport is an essential part of daily life.
With cab bookings becoming increasingly difficult, commuters are seeking more dependable options and greater transparency in fares. The recurring difficulties have also raised questions about the availability and reliability of app-based mobility services in the state capital.