Delhi HC directs taxi-hailing companies like Ola, Uber to run only on CNG

In a major relief for app-based taxi services in the capital, the High Court on Wednesday suggested that the Delhi government do away with its ban on such cab service providers, while observing that they can hardly be blamed for the illegal acts of the taxi drivers, who have been given All India permits (AIP) by the authorities concerned.

The bench further observed that the Delhi government had “not been able to keep up with the technology” and had failed to create appropriate rules for web-based taxi services, and suggested that the government could “give a comprehensive hearing” to the licence applications filed by various app-based service providers.

    The bench, however, did not issue any oral or written orders, but merely made suggestions while directing the counsel for Ola cabs, an app-based taxi service provider, to “take instructions” on the issue of whether the cabs operated by them were diesel-based or CNG-based cars.

The bench of Justice Manmohan told the counsel for Ola cabs that it was inclined to allow only CNG-based cabs to provide service in the national capital.

“If AIP was given to wrong person, he (OLA) is not to be blamed. You can’t put burden on him (OLA) if AIP was given to a criminal. The cross has to be borne by police and government,” Justice Manmohan said, and added, “But CNG requirement has to be complied with.”

The court noted that under the directions of the Supreme court of India, public service vehicles in Delhi could only be CNG-based.

“If it is point-to-point in Delhi, the cab has to run on CNG. I am very clear about it. Your competitors run on CNG, so how can you run on diesel? Run on CNG or not at all,” the judge said.

The court suggested that the Delhi government do away with the ban on such service providers as their technology has been working across the world, is well-recognised and is a “boon for consumers”, and to hear them afresh on their plea to allow them to ply.

While appreciating the benefits of using app-based taxi services, like the presence of GPS for tracking purposes, reduction in number of private vehicles due to faster and cheaper availability of taxis and their employment potential, the court emphasised that vehicles plying under this technology have to run on CNG.

“Prima facie, I am not going to allow diesel vehicles to run in Delhi through this methodology (of app-based cab service). You see, pollution levels are rising in the city,” it said.

http://www.taxicar.in/

- See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/do-away-with-ban-on-app-based-taxi-services-in-delhi-says-hc/#sthash.ra8WXa0o.dpuf

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Uber Tops Taxi Use for Business Travelers, New Report Shows

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  Uber connects travelers with various cars through its smartphone app. (AP Photo)

NEW YORK: Taxis are losing business travelers to ride-hailing services like Uber, a survey shows.
In the three months ended in June, Uber overtook taxis as the most expensed form of ground transportation, according to expense management system provider Certify. Uber accounted for 55 percent of ground transportation receipts compared with taxis at 43 percent.
That's a big jump from just the beginning of the year. In the first quarter, Uber Technologies had 46 percent of receipts tracked by Certify compared with 53 percent for taxis.
"Established travel providers will need to adapt quickly or face further market share erosion to the sharing economy," Certify CEO Robert Neveu said in a statement.
Certify based its finding on the 28 million trip receipts its North American clients submit each year. It does not include receipts from business travelers whose companies use other services to track expenses.
Uber connects travelers with various cars through its smartphone app. Some drivers work for car service companies; others spend a few hours driving their personal cars on the side for some extra money.
Business travelers might be quickly moving toward Uber, but employers still have reservations about safety and liability. Depending on the city, Uber drivers aren't necessarily regulated by government taxi licensing authorities. Both Uber and competitor Lyft insure their drivers during paid rides and also require the drivers to carry personal auto insurance that covers them the rest of the time.
Uber's pricing compared with traditional cabs can vary. Its UberX service, often drivers in Toyota Camrys or Honda Civics, is typically cheaper, but its high-end black cars and SUVs cost a premium. During peak hours, Uber charges a "surge" premium that can add anywhere from 20 percent on to the cost to doubling or tripling it. During really busy periods the surge can be even more.
In a few cities, Uber beat out taxis by a wide margin for business travelers. In its home town of San Francisco, 79 percent of rides expensed through Certify during the second quarter were for Uber. In Dallas, 60 percent were for Uber and 54 percent in Los Angeles. Certify noted that it saw rental car transactions drop at the same time.

http://www.taxicar.in/

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Rent a Car in Abu Dhabi Online

Are you planning to visit Abu Dhabi? If yes, then you must contemplate a few significant stuffs before you fly to Abu Dhabi, such as accommodation and conveyance. Both of these things are quite imperative and the deciding factor of the enjoyment and satisfaction level of your vacation. You can arrange for the transportation in two different manners. The first one would be to seek help from the relatives or family members if they are living in the city. The second is the most commonly used method - rent a car in Abu Dhabi.

The airport is one of the first places where you will need a car that can pick you up. If budget is not an issue, you can make use of airport Limo car hire service as well. Otherwise, there are dozens of economy car rental service and solutions available readily. In view of that, you will need to rent a car at Abu Dhabi airport. The best way is to use online car rental booking service before you arrive to the airport. You will need to tell the precise time of your arrival while booking so you don’t have to wait unnecessarily at the airport. The car will then be waiting for you at the airport and you will be picked as soon as your arrive, thus saving your valuable time.

Using the online platform to rent a car in Abu Dhabi is quite easy. A few clicks can get the job done. From the endless choices you can easily on the internet, you can select the one which suits your requirements the best. And yes, availing both economy car rental service and airport Limo car hire service is possible as well.

One thing that you should keep in mind is to fill the correct information while processing the booking form. After that, you can take your time to select a vehicle, which is most suitable for your trip or purpose of visiting Abu Dhabi.

You can even save your money. Before you rent a car in Abu Dhabi, make sure you check for the discounts or offers that can be availed online. After all, who does not like to save some hard-earned cash? http://www.indigojlt.com/

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Ten reasons why Estonia should be in your bucket list

The heat is on and so is the search for a summer getaway. Estonia, a tiny north European country, could be a 'smart' choice. With its thick forests, vast seas and 1,200 lakes, the tech-savvy nation has a lot to offer to adrenaline junkies as well as nature lovers. Ten reasons why you should explore the country:

1) 20 degrees of separation: Surrounded by the Baltic Sea and proximity to the Atlantic, keeps Estonian summers cool. An average summer day's temperature is around 20 degree celsius and can go up to 30 degree celsius, but that doesn't happen too often. The hottest this country has ever got is at 35 degree celsius -- a breeze for most of us. In the capital Tallinn, the Baltic is never too far for a walk. Summer is the time when flowers bloom in city's numerous parks, a nice place for a lazy picnic. Shopping is a stroll. There are plenty of malls in the city's hotel district and most of them are open from 9am to 9pm.

Kadriorg Park

2) Stay connected: The next best thing to the beautiful summer is connectivity. With 97% cellular penetration and extensive 3G and 4G coverage, Estonia is as connected as it gets. And, it doesn't cost a bomb. Wi-fi is largely free. Hotels, restaurants and even fuel stations, Wifi hot spots are widely spread, covering most public spaces. Guide maps, hotel reservations, museum tickets - anything under the sun is available online. You are never lost in this country.

3) Sea kayaking: Sea kayaking, and canoeing are popular summer sports in Estonia, which is surrounded by the sea on almost three sides. For the beginners, short trips around Tallinn and other coastal towns are recommended. Day-long trips or even longer expeditions are possible along the northern and western coasts. The towns are well connected to Tallinn through rail and bus. Many tour organisers arrange transport on request. Packages normally include equipment and guides. Tour operators can be contacted online. Dugouts, or a long boats carved out of a single log, are a treat. They go back to Stone Age and are worth a try.

4) A jungle out there: It truly is. About half of the Estonian land is forests. Estonians have always been close to nature - an oak tree, in keeping with tradition, is still held sacred. In 2011, Estonian air was voted the cleanest in the world. Take a deep breath and you will know.  Hiking, nature walks and bird and wildlife watching come with the territory.

June 24 is the most important summer day in Estonia. St John's Day, or Midsummer Day, marks the end of spring sowing and beginning of the hay-making season. Bonfires are lit on the night of June 23 and people gather around them with families and friends, singing and dancing. Lovers head for forests looking for the elusive fern flower that is said to bloom only that night - a ritual rooted in the fairy tale of Koit (dawn) and Hämarik (dusk) who see each other only once in a year and share a briefest kiss - a symbol, perhaps, of the fleeting moment when dawn meets dusk.

Estonian wildlife.

5) Beaver safari: Beavers, the largest of the rodents, burrow on the banks of rivers or lakes. Second only to humans when it comes to reengineering their environment, beavers were once found across Europe until they were hunted close to extinction. Conservation efforts have paid off and Estonia is one of their homes. Beaver-watching trips are held during the day as well as night. Soomaa national park in south-western part of the country is popular for night safaris where these nocturnal animals can be seen by the river.

6) Hook, line and sinker: Fishing is a year-round hobby. Hundreds of rivers, thousands of lakes and 3,800km-long coastline has enough for anglers of all vintages. Anyone can fish with a simple hand line, provided season, sites and restrictions are kept in mind.  A brown trout, sea trout, pike and eel are among the fish you will net. Some places and equipment need fishing permits that are easily available online, so is the information on gear and fishing possibilities.

7) A toast to history: For almost all Estonian cities, there is an old town. Swedes, Danes, Germans and Russians, who ruled the Baltic country at different times in history have left their mark on cityscapes. In the heart of Tallinn is the Mediaeval Old Town, a Unesco world heritage site. Gabled houses, gothic spires and cobbled streets, the old town, layered in history, is an architectural maze and gem at the same time. History and modern world make for a delicious combination. Gourmet restaurants, pubs, pizzerias and even dancing clubs operate out of what were once merchant houses and even barns. It is not at many places that one gets to go up an ancient stone-carved staircase leading to a café. Wrapped in a blanket, sipping mulled wine, Tallinn is laid out in all its glory with the sparkling blue of the Baltic lining the horizon. In the university town of Tartu, the oldest of its streets is a pub line, catering to both -- broke students and the posh set. Weekend is a buzz at the country's intellectual capital.

Tallinn, the mediaeval old town.

8) May your bread last: That is unlikely if it is the delicious dark rye bread. The Estonians greeting for bon appetite is throwback to days of frugality but the local cuisine has been enriched by the influence of neighbours and ruling powers. Fish is plentiful. Pork remains the favourite meat, with a side of potatoes and sauerkraut, a German influence but with a distinct Estonian taste. Dairy is one of the biggest exports. Supermarket shelves groan under the weight of cheese, yogurts and milk products. Farmer markets are good place to shop for local meat, meat products, vegetables and fruits. Estonia's forests produce a lot of honey. Kama flour is another staple. A mix of roasted cereals and legumes, it has a nice nutty taste and is best served mixed with yogurt and a layer of fresh plum or strawberry jam.

Beer-brewing has been a serious business for larger islands for a while now. The best beer comes from there, their recipes remain a secret to mainlanders till date but a glug and your in heaven, or at least close to it. Cheers!

9) Song and drama: What is a good holiday without some song and drama? Estonia has plenty on offer. Summer makes otherwise reserved Estonians sing. Choir competitions song festivals and outdoor concerts are held throughout the country. Go online and you are bound to find something to sing about. In Tallinn, they even have a song ground and in Tartu, impromptu gigs, student festivals are a regular feature. Theatre holds a special place. Each year, hundreds of new productions go up on the stage and are very well attended.  By the number of theatre-goers, Estonia is one of the leading countries in Europe.

10) Bog-shoeing:  If you can walk, you can bog-shoe. Typical to northern hemisphere, a bog is a wetland, loosely a marsh where layers and layers of peat-- remains of tree and plants, and moss, capture small lakes and make walking possible. A bog shoe is like a snow shoe or a miniature boat which is clipped on to a walking shoe. Pick berries on edges of bog or just walk or even take a hike in what otherwise would be inaccessible slushy forests. Bogs are spread widely but the most walkable in Soomaa and Lahemaa national parks. You can even bog-shoe to the Russian border on the south. From a few hours to cottages for overnight stay, tours are available across the country.

Bog-shoeing at Soomaa national park.

Getting there: Tallinn is connected by air to all Scandinavian and most European capitals. Tallinn, which sits on the southern shore of Gulf of Finland, is also a popular cruise destination. Finnish capital Helsinki is just 83k away from the city and a ferry trip takes just two hours.

Staying there: Top-of-the line hotels to budget accommodations - there is something for every pocket. Tallinn has a hotel district close to the city centre. Old Town, too, has hotels and youth hostels. It is possible to stay the night for €13-16. Same for Tartu. B&B are quite common in Estonia and are largely family run. If planning a long stay and travelling in a group, it is better to rent a flat.  Camps and caravans, spa hotels and even manor houses are other options.

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SpiceJet-IRCTC Partnership Allows Wait-Listed Travellers To Fly For A Little Extra Money

SpiceJet may have just struck gold with its news Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) partnership. The low cost airline has seen sharp swings in its fortunes in the last six months. From briefly shutting down its services in December 2014, it reported its first profitable quarter in January-March, after seven straight quarters. Now with the IRCTC tie-up, SpiceJet is looking at a significant rise in passenger volumes and hopefully many more profitable months.
The railways have entered into this tie up with both SpiceJet and GoAir. The partnership enables a train traveller, who is on the wait list to cancel the train ticket and get onto a flight of either airline by paying a small incremental fee.
The partnership started one month ago, and in that time all tickets passed on by SpiceJet and GoAir have been sold to wait-listers.

Source: bangaloreaviation.com

However, it is not all as perfect as it sounds, there are some riders attached. The scheme only applies to tickets booked at least three days prior to the date of the journey, the tickets can only be cancelled on a specific website, and the flight tickets are only available for the day of the train journey or the day prior.
There are no fixed sectors to which the scheme applies, no fixed number of tickets either airline must make available to IRCTC, and no fixed rates. The incremental payment for a flight (over and above the train fare) depends on the sector and prevailing prices.
This helps both the railways and SpiceJet - long wait lists of train travellers gets reduced and they get to fly with SpiceJet for a small incremental fee instead. It is not clear if SpiceJet will have to pay a commission to IRCTC or vice versa.
SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh pointed out that this tie-up is promising for the airline and he expects "significant" passenger volumes to be generated through this scheme.

Passengers waiting around in train stations | Source: The Hindu

In an interview with Firstpost, Singh said, the airline is not solely banking on IRCTC to improve business, he mentioned several other initiatives that are currently in process. 
Fleet expansion - As of now, operational fleet of 20 Boeing 737 aircraft and 15 Q400s. No plans to phase out Q400s as of now, may add 6-7 aircraft by October. Claims all issues with aircraft lessors resolved.
Headcount - Already down significantly, from 5200 when he took charge of the airline to 3800. Keeping headcount down and simultaneously re-negotiating supplier contracts has helped in significant cost reduction for SpiceJet.
Shrinking operations - When Singh took charge of the airline in January, it was flying to 39 destinations. It is now only flying to 30. According to Singh, for a low cost airline, it is more important to increase the frequency to existing stations instead of adding more stations. The stations which have been shutdown, were either very close in distance to others or had a low flight frequency.

SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh | Source: Business Today

Investment - In Singh's revival plan for the airline, which he submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in January, he committed Rs 1500 crore investment. Of this Rs 800 crore has already been paid to the airline. Singh said there is no need for the remaining Rs 700 crore to come in right now, as he would rather fund SpiceJet's expansion than its losses. However, he was unable to provide a plan as to where the money would come from in the future.
New Logo: SpiceJet has a new logo and slogan ‘SpiceJet is different. It is Red. Hot. Spicy.’ The airline has also unveiled a mobile app for Android and Apple iOS smartphones. The app allows customers to book tickets, get real-time flight status, manage their bookings (change, cancel, refund), add optional products such as meals, SpiceMAX and advance seat selection.
Strategic Investors: Singh said a lot of people, including Private Equity Investors and foreign airlines, are interested in funding the airline.
In the end he is hopeful that Financial Year 2016 will prove to be profitable for the company.  If the IRCTC partnership works, it is highly likely they are heading in that direction.

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