Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: The state government’s online auto-taxi platform, Kerala Savaari, will soon allow users to book ambulances through its app. Discussions with workers’ unions on service conditions have concluded, and an agreement has been reached. The government will charge fares based on approved rates.

Currently, the state operates the 108 ambulance system for emergencies, so the new service will not handle urgent cases in the initial phase. However, users will be able to book ambulances for other needs, including hospital visits.

There are about 9,000 private ambulances across Kerala, whose registration and data collection have already been completed by the Motor Vehicles Department.

Integration of public transport services

The government has also decided to integrate various modes of public transport, including the Water Metro, into a single online platform. As part of this move, Kochi Metro services will be brought under Kerala Savaari within a month.

Passengers will soon be able to book tickets for the Metro, Water Metro, and feeder services directly through the Kerala Savaari mobile application.

Private taxis cut fares

After Kerala Savaari relaunched operations, private online taxi operators who used to charge government-approved rates slashed their fares. The move appears aimed at discouraging passengers and drivers from switching to the government-backed platform.

The fare cut has led to a sharp rise in the number of people relying on private taxis, forcing many traditional taxi drivers to depend on these services. In places like Munnar, the reduced fares have even triggered disputes among drivers.

Promising restart for Kerala Savaari

Since restarting operations last week, Kerala Savaari has seen over 4,000 drivers register on the platform. In Kochi alone, more than 2,000 trips are being booked daily, while trial runs have just begun in Thiruvananthapuram.