Meru ups the ante against Ola & Uber with new services

To compete with app-based taxi hailing services such as Ola and Uber, Meru Cabs has restructured its service offering and introduced new cab categories that can be booked through its revamped mobile application Meru Cabs.

"We are adding SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks as a separate service through the mobile app.

The pricing is also competitive, in line with other services available in the market," Meru Cabs CEO Nilesh Sangoi told PTI.

"Last year, our revenues were to the tune of Rs 500 crore. We have crossed it this fiscal and will be looking to close at even more positive note due to our new initiatives," he added.

Meru has roped in 2,000 drivers and vehicles under these new categories and are beginning services in Mumbai.

It will roll out services in other cities after a month, he further said.

The rates have been fixed at Rs 9/km for hatchback, Rs 10/km for sedan and SUV at Rs 15/Km.

Meru does not plan to charge travellers 'surge price'.

"By revamping our services portfolio, we aim to provide even more affordable travel options for our ever growing customer base," Sangoi said.

Last year Meru has begun a slew of services in order to keep up with the changing scenario of the taxi industry.

Last June, Meru raised USD 25 million (about Rs 165 crore) from Brand Capital, the investment arm of Bennett Coleman and Co (BCCL), which it is deploying to enhance services, increase brand salience and brand awareness with the aim of widening its customer base.

It has expanded to 24 additional cities, launched services including Carpool, disability equipped vehicles under Meru Enable, and also integrated its booking system with Facebook's messenger bot, besides its own mobile application.

It has also grown its fleet size to 20,000 vehicles, it said.