Online taxi firm planning to take on Uber in Manchester
An online private hire firm has announced it is bringing its operation to Manchester.
Indian based Ola has announced it is planning to take on Uber in the battle for customers in the city.
The operation was launched in 2011 and now has a presence in more than 110 cities across India and Australia. It has more than a million registered drivers.
The app gives customers the option of ordering either a private hire vehicle or a black cab.
Ola has said it is planning to ‘lead the industry’ with its approach to passenger safety, including its screening of drivers and support services.
Fares are expected to be similar to Uber’s but drivers will earn more.
The firm said it would charge drivers lower commission starting at 10 per cent for minicabs and five per cent for metered taxis.
Chief executive Bhavish Aggarwal said the firm aimed to be ‘nationwide’ by the end of the year.
A spokesman for Manchester Council said no operating licence had been granted to the firm but added that an application has been lodged.
Mr Aggarwal said: “Ola is excited to announce its plans for the UK, one of the world’s most evolved transportation markets.
“The UK is a fantastic place to do business and we look forward to providing a responsible, compelling new service that can help the country meet its ever-demanding mobility needs.
“We look forward to our continued engagement with policy-makers and regulators as we expand across the country and build a company embedded in the UK.”
California-based Uber operates in 600 cities across 65 countries and has three million drivers.
The online service launched in the UK in 2012 but it has had problems in the UK over the last 12 months.
Transport for London ruled in September it was not “fit and proper” to hold a private hire vehicles operator licence amid safety concerns, but it has since been awarded a 15-month probationary licence after making changes.
Ola said: “We are recognised for our collaborative approach, working with national governments and local authorities, to help solve transport mobility issues in innovative and meaningful ways.”
