The Siliguri Metropolitan Police on Friday formally launched Yatri Sathi, an app for booking cabs introduced by the state government.

“The Yatri Sathi app is an initiative of the Bengal government and was earlier launched in Calcutta. In Siliguri, we introduced it on a trial basis during the past month and formally launched it here today. Anybody can get registered from our assistance booths located at Bagdogra airport, Siliguri junction and New Jalpaiguri station,” said C. Sudhakar, the commissioner of Siliguri Metropolitan Police.

Sudhakar said around 600 cabs and 200 two-wheelers have already registered with the app. There is also a plan to introduce ambulance service through the app, sources said.

The zero-commission app, police officials said, will provide cab and bike services at cheaper rates.

“The private apps charge around 30 per cent commission from cabs and bike owners. Here, they will not have to pay any commission and, therefore, the rental charges are expected to be lower. Being a government-run app, it will also ensure the safety and security of passengers,” said a police officer.

“We want more and more cab owners and two-wheeler owners based in and around Siliguri to register themselves with Yatri Sathi,” he added.

The tourism industry has welcomed the initiative. Every day, thousands of tourists visit Siliguri and they can use the app to book a cab or bike, an industry stakeholder said.

Also, tourists often complain about overcharging by cab drivers, especially during peak tourist seasons. This problem can be resolved by availing cab services through the app, he said.

“We welcome the decision and would also request the Siliguri Metropolitan Police to hold a meeting with transporters to discuss and decide on the fares which would be charged for different destinations,” said Samrat Sanyal, general secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network.