‘Kerala Savari’ rolls out with promise of low service charge, better wages

For Perumal D, life has revolved around cars for the last three decades. The 52-year-old driver from Jagathy in Thiruvananthapuram has been the breadwinner for his family of four.

This Wednesday, he had reason to hope for better prospects of earning from a “new savari (ride)” in his driving career”, as Kerala flagged off one of India’s first online taxi aggregator services owned by a state government.

Named Kerala Savari, the Uber-like application promises passenger safety and reasonable remuneration for auto and taxi drivers. For a start, around 541 vehicles — 321 auto rickshaws and 228 cars — are part of the venture.

“This is a new beginning for us in terms of getting fair remuneration. I used to drive cars for Uber and Ola as well.