A Traveller's View

Cab drivers are allowed 'dynamic pricing' which allows them to charge different rates for the same distance. Thus, the business fluctuations are transferred to the commuters who must absorb the problems of short supply of drivers. This does not seem right. If people were to 'tip' doctors in the emergency room or judges for jumping the queue or getting faster services, it would amount to corruption

- ANJALI MEHTA The writer is a Delhi-based medical practitioner

An increasing number of people use public transport for economic reasons, environmental concerns, and so on. The recent collapse of a valuable customer service, Blusmart, robbed the traveller community of one robust travel option. Some of Blusmart's likeable features included a homogeneity of cars, speed limit monitoring, good cooling, and assured rides.

Being a frequent user of several app-based cab services, I have benefitted from the comfort of having such a facility yet also reflected on some gaps that if addressed, can truly enhance the experience for the user.

Currently, luck appears to play a big part in the sort of vehicle one gets when one books a cab. There do not appear to be any standards laid down to ensure basic quality of the interiors or exteriors of the cars in the fleet.

Even dirty, dented, or dilapidated cars have on occasion been given the tag of a 'prime sedan.' Whereas, the proud owner of such a sedan may be as pleased as punch, the customer is most certainly not!

The air you inhale during the ride hinges a lot on the habits of the driver. If the driver smokes, you may well be imbibing the stale aroma of cigarette smoke, and if the driver uses a purifier, there are pleasant smells wafting about.

Also, the tools you get at your disposal, to beat the heat and humidity vary from mini fans to air conditioners to just handles to slide down the windows. Perhaps a quick glance at your horoscope may well alert you as to what to anticipate during the ride that day!

So too with drivers. Most drive reasonably well but their habits and personalities can impact your day. Sometimes, passengers who have just booked a cab may be deluged with unnecessary calls from the drivers. For commuters using the precious morning time to finish off their breakfast or complete their dressing, it is an unwelcome intrusion.