Re: Blu-Smart electric cabs launched in Delhi-NCR I hadn't used Blusmart until a week back. Had no need to as my wheels were sufficient to haul me around. However, with an early morning flight and with enough experiences with unprofessional Ola/Uber drivers of NCR, it was time to try something new. Too many close shaves with sleepy and disoriented drivers. Phew!
I booked my Blusmart for 3 AM the night before. Around 2 AM, I got the driver details on my phone and by 2:15 AM, the driver was outside my main gate, presumably catching up on sleep. So far, I was impressed given that it was my first experience with Blusmart and using Ola/Uber at that hour would have led me to try booking and filtering drivers half an hour before my scheduled departure time from home.
Around 2:55, I got a call from the driver who cheerfully and politely announced that he was at my main gate. Boarded the cab (a Tata Xpres-T EV) to find it clean, scented and seat pre-adjusted. The driver quickly took the OTP and started the trip. Nice morning music was on (Rafi/Mukesh/Kishore) and I settled in for a stress free early morning cab ride to the airport.
Spoke too soon.
About 5 minutes in, the car abruptly shut down. The driver tried re-ignition multiple times and the car came to life at the 4th attempt. That brought the frown on my forehead. 15 minutes later, same issue. This time the car came to life on the 3rd attempt.
I had not said a word until then. The driver, of his own accord, called his supervisor at that hour and stated the vehicle issue and that a backup car be arranged for me. I reckon the supervisor was monitoring his live location throughout. The driver continued to drive and the car didn't stall any more. About a kilometre before the airport the driver quipped - "Luck was on our side today, Sir!". Reassuring words, I thought as I paused my prayers and eased my frown for having reached the airport on time.
No complaints or suggestions except that cars allotted for early morning duties need to be the best of the fleet. No one takes a commute at that hour unless they are time bound to board a flight or a train. The product folks at Blusmart need to incorporate that. I did mention this in my post-ride feedback but didn't receive any call back or follow up from Blusmart.
Apart from what I term a one-off incident (as my return ride home via Blusmart was uneventful), I think Blusmart is a boon for airport transfers in NCR. I hope they commence city rides and rentals in all areas of NCR - which is not present in my area yet.
Maintaining quality standards while expanding to cater to demand that's fatigued of the duopoly will be their biggest challenge.
Last edited by barcalad : 19th October 2023 at 22:10.
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