Ola, Uber challenger Namma Yatri goes live in Chennai via ONDC

Namma Yatri services flagged off in Chennai

Open-source auto-hailing app Namma Yatri on January 29 said that the firm has gone live in Chennai in collaboration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

The firm, which seeks to compete with cab and auto-rickshaw aggregators Ola and Uber, said that it has already registered over 10,000 drivers in Chennai on its platform, and aims to onboard over 1 lakh drivers in the city over the next 6 months.

"Namma Yatri on ONDC network exemplifies the power of open networks in transforming urban mobility. It will facilitate more efficient, inclusive and sustainable transportation," said T Koshy, managing director and chief executive officer of ONDC.

Backed by Juspay's payments technology, Namma Yatri serves over 2 lakh drivers and 40 lakh customers, facilitating more than 2.5 crore trips presently. It claims to have enabled drivers to earn over Rs 360 crore without any commission.

"Its technology is open (Open Source). It has published its data in the open and has joined the Open Network for Digital Commerce initiative. We're very happy to bring it to Chennai and are looking forward to actively collaborating with the local ecosystem to make this vision work," said Vimal Kumar, CEO of Juspay.

Two weeks ago, Namma Yatri announced its entry into Delhi via the ONDC platform and said that it has already onboarded more than 5,000 drivers in the national capital onto the platform.

Namma Yatri was initially launched in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Tumakuru, and in Kochi under the name Yatri app for cab service. In Kolkata, it was launched as Yatri Saathi. Now, it is gearing up for a Hyderabad launch.

The app has significantly gained popularity within a year and has onboarded more than 1.09 lakh registered drivers in Bengaluru, with more than 5,000 rides currently, according to the Namma Yatri website.

Namma Yatri has established itself in several states as an open-source app that does not charge any commission from auto drivers.

Also Read: Spotlight on zero-commission models after Namma Yatri, auto union break tie-up

However, the firm has been collecting a subscription fee from drivers since September 1, 2023. Drivers have two options under the plan: Rs 25 for unlimited trips a day or Rs 3.50 per ride.