Odd-even scheme: After Arvind Kejriwal's warning, Uber, Ola temporarily suspend fare surge

Delhi: After Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday warned of 'strict action' against app-based taxis, including cancellation of permits and impounding of vehicles, for charging fares more than the rates prescribed by the government, Uber cab service said that they were temporarily suspending surge with immediate effect.

"Given the threat to livelihood of our partners, at the expense of reliability, we're temporarily suspending surge with immediate effect," Uber Delhi said.

"Hope to work with Delhi government to provide a reliable mobility option in the city, especially at time when citizens need us most," it added.

After Uber, Ola also temporarily suspended surge pricing in Delhi.

Kejriwal had earlier tweeted today, "Strict action, including permit cancelation and impounding of vehicles, will be taken against app-based taxis which charge fares more than government-prescribed rates."

The move came after the government received some complaints against the app-based taxi service providers Ola and Uber of hiking the fares exorbitantly during rush hours.

The rates were allegedly also hiked today, the first full working day of the fortnight-long odd-even scheme when offices, schools and other institutions reopened after an extended weekend, as per PTI.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Gopal Rai made an appeal to the commuters to register their complaints at 011-42400400 against exorbitant fares charged by the app-based taxi service providers.

"If we receive complaints against arbitrariness of any app-based taxi service, we will impound their vehicles," Rai said.

(With Agency inputs)