Preparation for big action against app-based bike taxis in Maharashtra, notice to Uber, Rapido, Ola

Transport Department Action: The Maharashtra Transport Department has taken a big step towards cracking down on app-based bike taxi services. department now Uber, Rapido and Ola It is going to send notices to such companies on the operation of private bikes which are being used as taxis contrary to the rules. Recently, the police had registered an FIR against these platforms on the charges of “running illegal taxi service on private bikes”, after which this action has intensified.

Why did the action against illegal bike taxis intensify?

In September, these companies were given a one-month “provisional license”, which has now expired. Meanwhile, several road accidents involving illegal bike taxis have exposed the lax enforcement of the e-bike taxi policy. As per the policy, only electric bikes are allowed as taxis, but petrol and other private bikes are seen ferrying passengers indiscriminately in Mumbai. Transport experts are now raising questions whether the policy has even been implemented on the ground or is it limited to papers only?

Strict instructions from the minister, heavy punishment for breaking the rules

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has clearly said that strict action will continue against companies ignoring the rules. “Strict action will be taken against companies that employ untrained drivers, break rules and put the lives of passengers at risk,” he said.

According to department sources, companies were given one month’s time to register their e-bikes. Now heavy fines will be imposed for violation of rules. Running private bike taxis with white number plates is completely prohibited. According to the RTO, Uber, Rapido and Ola have registered only 50 e-bikes for permits, while thousands of private bikes are plying as taxis in the city.

License process incomplete, monitoring system weak

The process of making the provisional license permanent was also not completed till October. Mumbai Mobility Forum’s A.V. “Making a policy does nothing,” Shenoy said. “If private operators are being allowed, then monitoring should also be strengthened.” Last month, questions were raised on the government’s policy after the death of a passenger traveling in an illegal bike taxi. Despite this, illegal operations continue.

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What will RTO check now?

The department will now also check whether the drivers have been given training on safety and rules. Are helmets available and compulsorily used? According to road safety expert Ajay Gowale, “Helmet availability and compliance is the biggest challenge. The police will have to run continuous campaigns to create an environment of compliance with the rules.”