On Tuesday, the maharashtra state cabinet accepted a new policy aimed at regulating the activities of primarily app-based taxi aggregators. This coverage comes after a directive from the preferred court and seeks to create an extra-based and honest environment for each driver and passenger.
In keeping with a Hindustan Times (HT) report, it introduces several key measures to deal with troubles consisting of ride cancellations, surge pricing, and vehicle standards.
The coverage, based on tips from a committee headed by retired IAS officer SK Shrivastava, was formulated following a preferred court order in february 2023. The committee submitted its report in april 2024. The new rules are designed to ensure a higher and safer level of revenue for commuters while preserving taxi aggregators' responsibility.
Key Highlights of the New Policy:
1. Cancellation penalties
A chief function of the brand-new coverage is the introduction of penalties for both drivers and passengers who cancel rides without valid reasons. drivers will face a penalty of 10 percent of the fare or Rs one hundred, whichever is lesser, and this quantity can be credited to the passenger's account. Further, passengers who cancel rides unnecessarily will be fined five percent of the fare or Rs 50, whichever is lesser, with the quantity going to the driver.
Cab and taxi charge Hike in Bengaluru: Commuters to Pay More in Line with KM
2. Surge Pricing Cap
The policy also addresses surge pricing, which has been a contentious issue for plenty of commuters. It limits surge pricing to a maximum of 1.5 times the bottom fare. This may assist in saving you immoderate fees in the course of peak hours and ensure extra low-cost journey options for passengers.
3. Encouraging electric cars and carpooling
Consistent with environmental desires, the coverage encourages the use of electric-powered motors (EVs) through app-based taxi services. Additionally, it promotes carpooling offerings, imparting a more sustainable and value-effective alternative for passengers. But the coverage specifies that women passengers can best use automobile-pooling services if the automobile is driven by a lady, ensuring protection for lady commuters.
4. Guidelines for Aggregators and Drivers
The policy mandates that all taxi aggregators should have a workplace in Maharashtra. They'll also be required to install GPS monitoring structures on their vehicles, verify the credentials of drivers before recruitment, and educate drivers when their using licenses are up for renewal. Furthermore, aggregators must provide insurance coverage for both drivers and passengers, ensuring that everyone is protected in case of a twist of fate. A strong complaint redressal mechanism may also be installed to deal with complaints from commuters.
Quality bus Network Expands for mumbai Metro 3: Smooth Rides in Advance on Dharavi-Cuffe Parade Stretch
5. Fares and Nearby Shipping Authority Oversight
The policy guarantees that the fare shape for app-primarily-based taxis will be decided via regional shipping authorities, with a cap on fare hikes. At some point during non-peak hours, fares may be decreased by up to 25 percent in line with the cent, even as, throughout peak hours, the fare hike may be capped at 50 percent in line with the cent or 1.5 times the base fare.
This comprehensive coverage pursues to make app-based taxi services more secure, more inexpensive, and more sustainable for the human beings of Maharashtra. The authorities believe those policies will strike a balance between supplying convenience to commuters and ensuring honest practices for drivers and aggregators alike.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel