Ola, Uber and Rapido Bike Services Banned in Delhi and Mumbai
The Delhi & Mumbai government has announced a ban on bike taxis with immediate effect. Watch the video for more details.
The Delhi government has announced a ban on bike taxis with immediate effect. The decision will affect cab aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido, which are popular. The Delhi transport department said that two-wheelers having non-transport registration numbers are being used to carry passengers. Using personal vehicles as commercial taxis violates Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. The move will also affect many customers that rely on two-wheelers via Ola, Uber, and Rapido amid surging fares of cabs. Many also prefer this affordable mode of transport since bikes are more easy in traffic. Delhi transport department clearly stated that the ban on bike taxis will come into effect immediately. If service providers like Ola, Uber, and Rapido riders continue to provide bike taxi service in Delhi, then a fine of Rs 5,000 will be charged. If the offense is committed the second time or subsequently, then a fine of Rs 10,000 will be charged as well as imprisonment and the driving license of the driver will also get suspended for a minimum period of three years. But it’s not just the riders who’ll be in trouble. The ride-sharing companies themselves could be slapped with a fine of Rs 1 lakh if they allow bike taxis to operate in the city.
An official said that as per rules, Taxi service means a driver and more than 1 passenger. Under this, only four-wheeler cabs, auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are allowed but not bikes. There are certain rules to operate cab services — the vehicle should have a registration mark; yellow number plates; PSV badge which is issued after police verification; and drivers are supposed to undergo behavioural sessions.The move by the Delhi government comes after the Supreme Court banned Rapido services in Maharashtra stating that it was operating without a legal license. In January, the Maharashtra government had refused to give licenses to Rapido’s motorbike taxis because there were no legal guidelines on their licensing, safety, and fare structure. Ola, Uber, and Rapido are yet to offer a statement and still have the option to book bike cabs. However, this may change following an update and persist until rules are amended.
