Latest news with #inDrive
GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
LTFRB issues show cause order vs inDrive over driver's alleged knife threat on passengers
A show cause order was issued to ride-hailing company inDrive after one of its driver allegedly threatened to stab passengers, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Thursday. In a statement, LTFRB chairperson Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III said the show cause order is urging inDrive to explain why its accreditation should not be suspended or cancelled for the alleged violation. The transport network company has been ordered to file a written answer within 10 days from the receipt of the show cause order. According to the LTFRB, the respondent will also have to attend the hearing of the case on July 31. If inDrive fails to comply, the LTFRB said it means the firm has waived its part to be heard and a P5,000 penalty will be imposed against the company. InDrive was summoned for 'Operating as PUV without Proper Authority from the Board/Failure to Provide Safe Adequate Comfortable and Dependable Public Land Transportation Service,' the LTFRB said. Guadiz said the LTFRB is set to study possible imposition of more stringent requirements and qualifications for drivers of transport network companies following the 'life-threatening' incident. 'We issued the show-cause order to TNC InDrive and we may require more stringent requirement qualification for drivers of TNC,' Guadiz said. 'We are initiating this action in order to avoid the duplication of such life-threatening incidents. Incidents like brandishing a deadly weapon to your passengers is something that should not be happening and should not be experienced by any passenger riding the public transportation,' he added. Recently, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced the 90-day suspension of the driver's license of a transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) driver who allegedly attempted to stab passengers. GMA News Online has sought comment from inDrive but the company has yet to provide a statement as of the posting of this story InDrive country government relations manager John Louie Balagot earlier said the company has been trying to contact the driver. 'Yun ang nakakalungkot kasi (It's saddening because) we have been trying to contact the driver since we learned about the incident kaso hindi siya sumasagot (but he is not replying),' said John Louie Balagot, InDrive country government relations manager. InDrive has banned the said driver since it was clear that he refuses to cooperate with the investigation. 'Vinerify muna namin yung ride. Tiningnan namin kung nagkaroon ng booking sa platform namin sa mga oras na iyon using the name of the passenger and the driver and the plate number tapos nakita namin na totoo naman ang nasabi ng pasahero na hindi siya na-drop off sa tamang lokasyon,' Balagot said. (Upon checking if such a booking was made, we verified that the driver did not drop the passengers off at the right location.) — Joviland Rita/RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- GMA Network
LTO suspends for 90 days license of TNVS driver who allegedly tried to stab passengers
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended for 90 days the driver's license of a Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) driver who allegedly attempted to stab passengers, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said. 'Sinuspinde ng LTO ng 90 araw ang lisensya ng driver ng TNVS na inDrive na nakuhanan ng video ng pasahero na sapilitang nitong pinababa at tinangka umanong saksakin,' the DOTr said in a statement issued Wednesday. (The LTO has suspended for 90 days the license of the TNVS driver of inDrive who was caught on video forcing passengers to get off the vehicle and allegedly attempting to stab them.) The LTO also summoned the TNVS driver and the vehicle's registered owner to explain the incident. They were ordered to appear before the LTO on East Avenue, Quezon City on Monday, July 21. The involved vehicle was also placed under alarm. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon warned TNVS drivers that there are penalties for assaulting and intimidating passengers. According to the DOTr, the 90-day suspension of the TNVS driver's license is in response to the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety of passengers in public transportation. —KG, GMA Integrated News
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Business Recorder
Karachi like a local: a guide to Pakistan's biggest city
People often say Karachi is too big, too crowded, too messy — and they're not wrong. With 20 million people and a... People often say Karachi is too big, too crowded, too messy — and they're not wrong. With 20 million people and a pace that rarely slows, Pakistan's largest city often feels like it's on the verge of boiling over, especially in summer. Most visitors will only see Karachi through the lens of elite hospitality (with its air-conditioned cars, rooftop dinners and guarded gates) or via the headlines (which tend to focus on crime, politics and power cuts). But get to know the city, and you'll discover a different Karachi — one where strangers help change your flat tire, where chai is served at midnight, and where allowing women to cut the line is an unspoken rule. A sign that reads 'I Love KHI', which represents 'I love Karachi,' is displayed on the windshield of an auto rickshaw (tuk tuk). Photo: Reuters I was born and bred in this chaos and now cover Pakistan and its economy for Reuters from here. While Karachi may no longer be the capital, it remains the country's economic engine, cultural pulse and most unfiltered mirror. It's a microcosm of Pakistan itself: volatile, welcoming and, if you know it well enough, quietly wonderful. Here's my guide to exploring this gem of a city like a local: Getting around: Three-wheeled rickshaws are still your best bet for short distances — cheap, breezy and easy to hail off the street. For something quicker in traffic, hop on a motorcycle using ride-hailing apps like Yango or inDrive. They are fast, affordable and offer a front-row seat to Karachi's traffic ballet. While public buses decorated with truck art still rumble through the city's major arteries, the newer Peoples' Bus Service offers a cleaner, more structured way to get across longer distances, albeit with limited routes. A worker uses a traditional wooden extractor to extract almond oil at the Empress Market, built in the British colonial period. Photo: Reuters What to eat: Karachi, like much of Pakistan, has been shaped by waves of migration, and nowhere is this more evident than in its food. Biryani, a spiced rice dish layered with meat and potatoes (a uniquely Karachi touch) is the city's most beloved meal. Most locals eat it at least once a week on Fridays, as is tradition. You can find it everywhere, from not-so-fancy sit-down spots like Ghousia and Student to roadside joints where it's scooped fresh from massive metal pots known as deghs. A hearty meal with raita (herby yoghurt dip) costs around 350 Pakistani rupees ($1.20). For more Karachi eats, visit Burns Road Food Street, the city's most iconic culinary strip. Dating back to before partition and recently pedestrianized, it's a living museum of local flavours. Try Karachi-style pani puri, made of crispy hollow shells filled with tangy chutney and mashed potatoes or chickpeas, before finishing with gulab jamun (milky dough balls soaked in sweet syrup) and falooda (a fragrant, creamy dessert drink made with ice cream, dried fruits, jelly and vermicelli noodles). For a different vibe, head to Hussainabad Food Street, a lively, no-frills spot famous for grilled meats, spicy snacks and a buzzing late-night crowd of families and night owls alike. And always end your meal the Karachi way, with paan, a betel leaf filled with sweet preserves and spices. The city's red-stained sidewalks and walls are proof: Karachi runs on paan. 'But get to know the city, and you'll discover a different Karachi — one where strangers help change your flat tire, where chai is served at midnight, and where allowing women to cut the line is an unspoken rule. ' Late-night chai: Rather than bars, chai dhabas form the city's social hubs, buzzing late into the night. Menus mostly feature doodh patti (milk tea) and stuffed parathas (fried flatbreads), but vibes vary: While original dhabas are no-frills with plastic chairs and kettles set on coal-fired stoves, newer spots have playlists, fairy lights, and younger crowds. Most are open-air, letting you catch Karachi's salty evening breeze while you talk politics and try to solve the world's problems drinking cup after cup after cup. What to buy: Lawn cloth, Karachi's go-to summer fabric, makes for a perfect souvenir. Grab an unstitched set sold in rolls of cloth from a local bazaar or mall, get it stitched by a tailor in days, or pick a ready-made outfit from brands like Khaadi or Sapphire. Add an ajrak scarf for a bold, local touch. For something more personal, artists like YouAreFlover can hand-paint designs inspired by truck art on your shoes or suitcase. An ideal day: Spend a Sunday morning at the Frere Hall book bazaar, browsing second-hand titles and new poetry under sprawling banyan trees. Nearby, admire the surreal ceiling murals by the late Pakistani artist and calligrapher Sadequain, whose sweeping works turn the historic hall into a gallery. Beachgoers ride horses at Clifton Beach. Photo: Reuters From there, dive into the chaos of Empress Market, a 19th-century relic selling fresh produce, dried fruit, and herbs that is full of colour and colonial history. Take a peaceful stroll through Mohatta Palace, where larger-than-life portraits tell Pakistan's founding story. If your Urdu is up to it, catch a theatre play or comedy show at the Arts Council, hosting everything from traditional mushairas (poem recitals) to sharp modern satire. End your day at Clifton Beach — not for swimming, but for camel rides, masala corn on the cob and the cooling sea breeze. For a dose of Karachi's creative pulse, gallery-hop between Canvas and VM Art Gallery, or drop in on a poetry slam, pop-up gig or film screening at T2F or District 19. Getting away: For an escape from the city, drive two hours west to Mubarak Village or Charna Island for turquoise water, coral patches and quiet fishing villages. Or stay closer at Turtle Beach, where locals surf and friends gather for overnight barbecues in rented private huts that go for as low as 10,000 Pakistani rupees ($35). A plate of Biriyani, a rice dish with meat and potatoes. Photo: Reuters Biggest misconception: As with most global cities, it's important to keep your wits about you. Muggings are not uncommon, so keep your phone tucked away and avoid wearing flashy jewellery. But don't keep your guard up too high, either. You never know when you'll be handed a free meal or a friendly smile from a stranger. This city isn't for the faint-hearted, but it's full of wonderful surprises, too. Faux pas: Don't expect to tap your card everywhere — cash is king in Karachi. Avoid handing over large notes at stalls; vendors rarely have change and might just give it to you for free if you look like a tourist. And always take your shoes off before entering mosques or shrines — no exceptions. CITY MEMO DATA POINTS Population: 20 million Price of a chai: 100 Pakistani rupees ($0.35) from a roadside dhaba and 200 Pakistani rupees ($0.70) from a place like Chotu Chaiwala. Price of an ice cream: 200 Pakistani rupees ($0.70) for a generous scoop of crunch (caramel swirls) or Peshawari (a dense, milky vanilla-style flavour enriched with clotted cream) from one of the many Peshawari ice cream outlets across Karachi. Visitors look at a collection of works by late Pakistani artist and calligrapher Sadequain Naqqash at the Frere Hall building, used as a town hall during the days of the British Colonial period, which now hosts an art gallery and library. Photo: Reuters Great place to see a sunset: Clifton Beach near Nishan-e-Pakistan promises a sunset with the sea breeze and camel silhouettes. Kidney Hill Park gives a quieter, elevated view of the skyline and a distant view of the port. Or head to Do Darya, where grilled seafood pairs perfectly with the sun sinking into the waves. Popular influencer: A doctor by training and a storyteller by instinct, Bilal Hassan (known by his Instagram handle @Mystapaki) documents Karachi in all its raw, beautiful chaos — from rain-drenched alleys and traffic standstills to quiet moments of daily life. His posts aren't filtered for perfection; they're grounded, human and often laced with humour. It's Karachi, as lived and felt. Largest university: Karachi University, 41,000 students om and the App!
Reuters
12-07-2025
- Reuters
Karachi like a local
People often say Karachi is too big, too crowded, too messy — and they're not wrong. With 20 million people and a pace that rarely slows, Pakistan's largest city often feels like it's on the verge of boiling over, especially in summer. Most visitors will only see Karachi through the lens of elite hospitality (with its air-conditioned cars, rooftop dinners and guarded gates) or via the headlines (which tend to focus on crime, politics and power cuts). But get to know the city, and you'll discover a different Karachi — one where strangers help change your flat tire, where chai is served at midnight, and where allowing women to cut the line is an unspoken rule. I was born and bred in this chaos and now cover Pakistan and its economy for Reuters from here. While Karachi may no longer be the capital, it remains the country's economic engine, cultural pulse and most unfiltered mirror. It's a microcosm of Pakistan itself: volatile, welcoming and, if you know it well enough, quietly wonderful. Here's my guide to exploring this gem of a city like a local: Getting around: Three-wheeled rickshaws are still your best bet for short distances — cheap, breezy and easy to hail off the street. For something quicker in traffic, hop on a motorcycle using ride-hailing apps like Yango or inDrive. They are fast, affordable and offer a front-row seat to Karachi's traffic ballet. While public buses decorated with truck art still rumble through the city's major arteries, the newer Peoples' Bus Service offers a cleaner, more structured way to get across longer distances, albeit with limited routes. What to eat: Karachi, like much of Pakistan, has been shaped by waves of migration, and nowhere is this more evident than in its food. Biryani, a spiced rice dish layered with meat and potatoes (a uniquely Karachi touch) is the city's most beloved meal. Most locals eat it at least once a week on Fridays, as is tradition. You can find it everywhere, from not-so-fancy sit-down spots like Ghousia and Student to roadside joints where it's scooped fresh from massive metal pots known as deghs. A hearty meal with raita (herby yoghurt dip) costs around 350 Pakistani rupees ($1.20). For more Karachi eats, visit Burns Road Food Street, the city's most iconic culinary strip. Dating back to before partition and recently pedestrianized, it's a living museum of local flavours. Try Karachi-style pani puri, made of crispy hollow shells filled with tangy chutney and mashed potatoes or chickpeas, before finishing with gulab jamun (milky dough balls soaked in sweet syrup) and falooda (a fragrant, creamy dessert drink made with ice cream, dried fruits, jelly and vermicelli noodles). For a different vibe, head to Hussainabad Food Street, a lively, no-frills spot famous for grilled meats, spicy snacks and a buzzing late-night crowd of families and night owls alike. And always end your meal the Karachi way, with paan, a betel leaf filled with sweet preserves and spices. The city's red-stained sidewalks and walls are proof: Karachi runs on paan. Late-night chai: Rather than bars, chai dhabas form the city's social hubs, buzzing late into the night. Menus mostly feature doodh patti (milk tea) and stuffed parathas (fried flatbreads), but vibes vary: While original dhabas are no-frills with plastic chairs and kettles set on coal-fired stoves, newer spots have playlists, fairy lights, and younger crowds. Most are open-air, letting you catch Karachi's salty evening breeze while you talk politics and try to solve the world's problems drinking cup after cup after cup. What to buy: Lawn cloth, Karachi's go-to summer fabric, makes for a perfect souvenir. Grab an unstitched set sold in rolls of cloth from a local bazaar or mall, get it stitched by a tailor in days, or pick a ready-made outfit from brands like Khaadi or Sapphire. Add an ajrak scarf for a bold, local touch. For something more personal, artists like YouAreFlover can hand-paint designs inspired by truck art on your shoes or suitcase. An ideal day: Spend a Sunday morning at the Frere Hall book bazaar, browsing second-hand titles and new poetry under sprawling banyan trees. Nearby, admire the surreal ceiling murals by the late Pakistani artist and calligrapher Sadequain, whose sweeping works turn the historic hall into a gallery. From there, dive into the chaos of Empress Market, a 19th-century relic selling fresh produce, dried fruit, and herbs that is full of colour and colonial history. Take a peaceful stroll through Mohatta Palace, where larger-than-life portraits tell Pakistan's founding story. If your Urdu is up to it, catch a theatre play or comedy show at the Arts Council, hosting everything from traditional mushairas (poem recitals) to sharp modern satire. End your day at Clifton Beach — not for swimming, but for camel rides, masala corn on the cob and the cooling sea breeze. For a dose of Karachi's creative pulse, gallery-hop between Canvas and VM Art Gallery, or drop in on a poetry slam, pop-up gig or film screening at T2F or District 19. Getting away: For an escape from the city, drive two hours west to Mubarak Village or Charna Island for turquoise water, coral patches and quiet fishing villages. Or stay closer at Turtle Beach, where locals surf and friends gather for overnight barbecues in rented private huts that go for as low as 10,000 Pakistani rupees ($35). Biggest misconception: As with most global cities, it's important to keep your wits about you. Muggings are not uncommon, so keep your phone tucked away and avoid wearing flashy jewellery. But don't keep your guard up too high, either. You never know when you'll be handed a free meal or a friendly smile from a stranger. This city isn't for the faint-hearted, but it's full of wonderful surprises, too. Faux pas: Don't expect to tap your card everywhere — cash is king in Karachi. Avoid handing over large notes at stalls; vendors rarely have change and might just give it to you for free if you look like a tourist. And always take your shoes off before entering mosques or shrines — no exceptions. CITY MEMO DATA POINTS Population: 20 million Price of a chai: 100 Pakistani rupees ($0.35) from a roadside dhaba and 200 Pakistani rupees ($0.70) from a place like Chotu Chaiwala. Price of an ice cream: 200 Pakistani rupees ($0.70) for a generous scoop of crunch (caramel swirls) or Peshawari (a dense, milky vanilla-style flavour enriched with clotted cream) from one of the many Peshawari ice cream outlets across Karachi. Great place to see a sunset: Clifton Beach near Nishan-e-Pakistan promises a sunset with the sea breeze and camel silhouettes. Kidney Hill Park gives a quieter, elevated view of the skyline and a distant view of the port. Or head to Do Darya, where grilled seafood pairs perfectly with the sun sinking into the waves. Popular influencer: A doctor by training and a storyteller by instinct, Bilal Hassan (known by his Instagram handle @Mystapaki) documents Karachi in all its raw, beautiful chaos — from rain-drenched alleys and traffic standstills to quiet moments of daily life. His posts aren't filtered for perfection; they're grounded, human and often laced with humour. It's Karachi, as lived and felt. Largest university: Karachi University, 41,000 students om and the App!
India.com
02-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Bad news for commuters! Ola, Uber, inDrive, Rapido can now charge double fare during peak hrs, extra amount to be paid if driver has to travel…; Check new guidelines
Home Business Bad news for commuters! Ola, Uber, inDrive, Rapido can now charge double fare during peak hrs, extra amount to be paid if driver has to travel…; Check new guidelines Bad news for commuters! Ola, Uber, inDrive, Rapido can now charge double fare during peak hrs, extra amount to be paid if driver has to travel…; Check new guidelines These new rules will now also cover auto-rickshaws and bike taxis. Each state government will be responsible for deciding the base fare for different vehicle types like taxis, autos, and bike taxis. The government has made a big change in how much cab companies like Ola, Uber, inDrive, and Rapido can charge during peak hours. Earlier, these companies were only allowed to increase fares up to 1.5 times the base fare during busy times. But now, under new rules, they can charge up to 2 times the base fare during peak hours. At the same time, during less busy hours, they cannot lower the fare below 50 per cent of the base fare. This is to make sure drivers still earn a fair amount, even when demand is low. States given 3 months to follow the new rules According to the Times of India, the central government has asked all states to put these rules into action within three months. The goal is to reduce the burden on passengers during high-demand times while also stopping companies from offering heavy discounts that create unfair competition. In short, the government wants to make pricing more balanced for both passengers and drivers. New rules on ride cancellations and fines The government has introduced clear rules for both drivers and passengers when a ride is cancelled: If a driver accepts a ride on the app but later cancels it without a valid reason, a penalty of 10 per cent of the fare or Rs. 100 (whichever is lower) will be charged. This fine will be shared between the driver and the company. If a passenger cancels the booking without a valid reason, the same penalty (10 per cent of fare or up to Rs. 100) will apply to them too. Insurance now mandatory for drivers All cab companies will now need to make sure their drivers have: At least Rs. 5 lakh health insurance, and At least Rs. 10 lakh term life insurance Who will decide the base fares? These new rules will now also cover auto-rickshaws and bike taxis. Each state government will be responsible for deciding the base fare for different vehicle types like taxis, autos, and bike taxis. For example: In Delhi and Mumbai, taxi base fares are around Rs. 20–21 per km In Pune, the base fare is about Rs. 18 per km If a state has not fixed a base fare yet, then the cab company must set a fare and inform the state government about it. These changes aim to make fares fair and services more reliable for everyone, drivers and riders alike. No more charges for 'empty ride' distance Here's some good news for passengers: you will not have to pay for the distance the driver covers to reach your pickup point. This is called the 'empty ride' fare, and it's now been removed. If the driver has to travel less than 3 kilometers to pick you up, then a small charge may apply. In all other cases, fare will be calculated only from the time the trip starts until it ends at your destination. New safety measures for passengers To make rides safer, the government has made some new rules: Every cab must now have a Vehicle Location and Tracking Device (VLTD). This tracking info should be available to both the cab company and the state government's control center. Driver training made mandatory All companies will have to give their drivers a refresher training course every year. Drivers who fall in the bottom 5 per cent rating group (based on how long they've worked with the company) must go through this training every 3 months. If these drivers do not attend the training, they will not be allowed to drive on the company's platform. These steps are meant to improve safety, service quality, and trust in ride-sharing platforms for everyone. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Business News on
