UP Cab Policy: Now the arbitrariness of companies like Ola-Uber will not work, they will not be able to increase the fare arbitrarily during peak hours.

Cab Fare Rules: Be it rain or office peak hour, while booking a cab, sudden increase in fare becomes a big problem for the passengers. But now the Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to curb this problem. Let us tell you that the new aggregator policy of the state is almost ready and it can be implemented soon. But for now its proposal has been sent to the government. It is being seen that after the implementation of the new policy, the app-based cab companies will decide the fare. In which many major changes will be seen related to the responsibility of drivers and safety of passengers.

Fare limit will be fixed during peak hours

The information regarding the new policy is revealing that the biggest change in it will be that even during peak hours, companies cannot increase the fare by more than 50% from the base fare. In the earlier draft, there was a proposal to double the fare, which was strongly opposed. Apart from this, the minimum fare will also not be kept less than 50% of the base fare so that transparency is maintained in fare determination.

New rules for both driver and passenger

Under the new aggregator policy, if the driver cancels the booking, he will have to pay the fare for that trip. If the passenger cancels the ride, he will be fined Rs 100. A driver who does not reach the cab on time will also be fined at least Rs 100. It will be mandatory for all aggregator companies to obtain license from the state government. License fee has been fixed at Rs 5 lakh, renewal fee at Rs 25 thousand and security deposit at Rs 50 lakh.

GPS, panic button and drivers insurance will be mandatory

It is being seen that to increase the safety of passengers, it will be mandatory to install GPS, panic button, first aid kit and fire extinguisher in every cab. In case of any emergency, the police and the company will be able to get immediate information as soon as the panic button is pressed. The interests of drivers have also been taken care of in this policy. Under the new policy, companies will have to provide health insurance of Rs 5 lakh and term insurance of Rs 10 lakh for each driver. At the same time, action will be taken under the zero tolerance policy against drivers found in an intoxicated state while on duty.

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Relief to passengers but fares may be affected

In the last few years, app-based cab services have expanded rapidly in Uttar Pradesh but due to lack of clear rules, passengers had to face problems like arbitrary fares, safety and grievance redressal. An attempt has been made to reduce these challenges with the new policy.

However, experts believe that additional responsibilities like insurance, safety equipment and licenses may increase costs for companies. In such a situation, changes can be made in the base fare or commission model in future. Nevertheless, the new aggregator policy is being considered a big step towards the safety, transparency and accountability of passengers.