Ola rides into Sydney
Bengaluru: A month after starting its international operations in Perth in Australia, Indian online cab aggregator Ola on Monday said it has begun offering rides in Sydney through its local driver-partners.
"People of Sydney can avail the introductory offer for free rides. Customers can download the Ola app, register for an account and book their rides," the city-based ride-sharing platform said in a statement here.
The company, on January 30, announced driving into Australia to foray into the international market to rival US-based Uber. It had also started hiring private vehicles and drivers in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth over the fortnight.
Sydney and Melbourne are two of the most populated cities in the country.
Since it began its operations in Australia, the company has received over 7,000 driver registrations in Sydney and Perth, the statement said.
The company is yet to begin operating in Melbourne.
The Indian firm will be taking on Uber, the largest ride-hailing platform in Australia, apart from other online cab aggregators operating in the country like Australia's GoCatch and Estonian Taxify.
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Balasaheb would have broken his mouth: Eknath Shinde on Arvind Sawant's 'imported maal' remark
Thane: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has strongly criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant for his comment referring to Shaina NC as "imported maal." Shinde asserted that if Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray were alive, he "would have broken his mouth" for making such a remark. Calling Sawant's statement "unfortunate," Shinde condemned the disrespect toward women, saying, "Speaking ill of a woman is highly condemnable, and no amount of criticism is enough."
Shinde expressed that the women of Maharashtra would ensure Sawant faces consequences in the upcoming elections, highlighting that such remarks reveal the character of those making them. Following Shaina NC’s complaint, a case has been registered at Nagpada Police Station, listing charges related to defamation and outraging the modesty of a woman.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also criticised Sawant’s remarks, affirming that derogatory comments against women have no place in society and contradict Maharashtra's values of respect and dignity.
In response, Sawant clarified that he did not directly mention Shaina’s name and claimed his remarks were misinterpreted. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are set for November 20, with vote counting on November 23.
