Ola Hotspots coming up at Metro stations, will drop you at home or office at Rs 3 per km
Representational Image. Picture Courtesy: Reliance Mumbai Metro
Commuters travelling via the Metro will have an easier time reaching office or home from Monday now that the Mumbai Metro One Private Ltd (MMOPL) has tied up with cab aggregator Ola to provide a hassle-free last mile connectivity.
From October 24, commuters using the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor can share Ola cabs by paying Rs 3 per km from Ola hotspots near Metro stations.
The service will be available at three stations from next week – Ghatkopar, Sakinaka and Western Express Highway – and will be expanded to all 12 stations on the 11.4 km corridor in the coming weeks.
An MMOPL official told a leading daily, “We have have tied up with Ola to provide convenient and cost-effective last-mile connectivity option to commuters with innovative features like designated pick-up points or hot-spots called Ola Zones which will be visible on the Ola app. They will function just like normal taxi stands around the stations.”
The service will be available during metro service hours at Rs 3 per km, which is substantially lower than Ola’s regular tariff.
These fares will be comparable with other modes of transport even on busy routes from Metro like Saki Naka Metro Station to Powai, the MMOPL said in a statement issued on Friday.
MMOPL said, “This initiative will supplement the services that are already available at the Metro stations through autorickshaws and BEST buses.”
The Mumbai Metro One official added, “Since commuters will get cheaper, comfortable and safe rides, and the drivers engaged by Ola will get commuters at the hot-spots, it is a win-win for everyone.”
Reportedly, the tie-up was a result of a survey conducted by MMOPL wherein commuters had unanimously voted for the provision of hot-spots of cab aggregator services at Metro stations.
Karan Singh Shekhawat, vice-president (Operations), Ola, said, “Mumbaikars will be able to easily access Ola’s vehicles in prime locations such as Western Express Highway, Saki Naka and Ghatkopar. Metro users at these locations will have access to a dedicated Ola Zone, offering easy availability of cars at the touch of a button.”
