App-based taxi service providers, including Ola and Uber, temporarily stopped surge pricing on Monday after the Delhi Government took cognisance of some complaints that it received from commuters that the cab service providers were over charging passengers during the odd-even scheme.
However, Uber and Ola termed the surge pricing as 'standard' and both the companies said they have temporarily stopped the peak pricing so as not to affect the Delhi Government's odd-even initiative.
Uber in its statement said, "Prices rise with demand but given the threat of the Delhi Government to take stricter actions, we are temporarily suspending surge with immediate effect."
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also expressed his disapproval of the peak pricing and tweeted, "Strict action, incl permit cancellation n impounding vehicle, to be taken against taxis which charge rates more than govt prescribed rates."
The Delhi Commissioner (Transport) on Monday reiterated the fares in Delhi while notifying the prescribed rates by them. While Rs. 12.50 km is notified for Economy Radio Taxis, Rs 14 per km and Rs 16 per km were prescribed for non-AC and AC Black and Yellow Top Taxi respectively.
"The notified fare of Radio Taxi cabs (distinguished by an lCD board on roof top displaying "Radio Taxi") is Rs 23.00 per km... Additional night charges (25 per cent of the fare) are applicable during 11 pm to 5 pm. If any taxi is found to be overcharging, the Delhi Government will take strict action in such cases including cancellation of permit and impounding of the vehicle," said officer of the Delhi Transport Department.
On the same day, city High Court Justice JR Midha asked the Government to file a status report as to how it is taking action against the taxi operators who flout the rules as it posted the matter for further hearing on April 25.
"When people are made to suffer, the Government cannot wash off its hands and fail to take action," the court said, also noting that if Ola or Uber are advertising low fares and then charging high fares, then the Government must take action against them.