Delhi Govt Bans Ola, Uber, Rapido Services; Offenders Can Face Fine Up to Rs 10,000

The Delhi government has declared an immediate ban on bike taxis. The judgement will have an impact on major cab aggregators in the city, such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido.

According to a notification issued by the Delhi transport department, two-wheelers with non-transport (private) registration marks/numbers are being used to transport passengers. According to the government notification, employing personal automobiles as commercial taxis is a violation of the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988.

The move will also have an impact on many customers who rely on two-wheelers via Ola, Uber, and Rapido amid rising cab prices. Many people favour this inexpensive way of transportation since motorcycles are more mobile in Delhi traffic.

The Delhi transport department's notice specifies that the ban on bike taxis will take effect immediately. The government notice states that if service providers like Ola, Uber, and Rapido riders continue to provide bike taxi service in Delhi, they will be fined Rs 5,000. If the offence is committed a second or subsequent time, a Rs 10,000 fine and imprisonment will be imposed.

According to reports, the Delhi traffic police department is already conducting checks on bikes connected with Ola, Uber, and Rapido. If the offence is committed again, the driver's licence will be suspended for a minimum of three years.

The Delhi government's action came after the Supreme Court banned Rapido services in Maharashtra. Another significant issue with two-wheeler cab services is the absence of an emergency button. This endangers the safety of female passengers.

In Delhi, Uber and Ola still provide the option to order bike cabs. Even so, this may change following an update and remain in effect until the rules are changed. According to an official, "Such regulations do not exist. Taxi services are defined as those in which there is a driver and more than one passenger. Only four-wheeler taxis, auto-rickshaws, and e-rickshaws are permitted, but no motorcycles. To operate taxi services, there are particular requirements and obligations: the vehicle must have a registration mark, yellow number plates, a PSV badge provided after police verification, and drivers must go through behavioural sessions."

Ola, Uber, and Rapido have yet to issue a statement. Kailash Gahlot, a Delhi MLA and transport minister, also tweeted about the notification. "Aggregator policy for 2W, 3W, and 4W is in its final stages and will be rolled out shortly, enabling them to apply for the issuance of a licence under the new system," the tweet says.