Delhi Government in proposition to fix a limit of fares for radio taxi aggregators
India: A senior
level government authoritative panel while recommending a stricter policy rule for
all the application-based radio taxi aggregators such as Ola, Uber and others,
suggested to limit an upper cap on their taxi fares, recently.
The panel consisting of state transport ministers,
authorized by the centre to frame stricter traffic and road safety rules
advised to liberalise a city taxi permit scheme, wherein, the radio taxi aggregators
will have to follow the regulations relating to fares, fuel and safety as
mandated by the transport department. Along with obeying the rules an upper cap
for fares is likely to be fixed by the transport department.
Besides that, the panel of ministers at the
meeting held in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh also appealed that only those
taxis (operated by cab aggregators) which have legally valid permits should be
allowed to move in states.
While discussing the schemes for cab
aggregators, the panel of ministers recommended various policies such as
minimum 20% space reservation in public parking lots for taxis to overcome the parking
issues and also to promote low-cost last mile connectivity solutions including
e-rickshaws and two wheeler taxis, as they are comparatively an economical
solution for passengers.
The ministry panel, headed by the Rajasthan transport
minister, Yunoos Khan, also recommended to strengthen rural transportation that
included introduction of various schemes by the Centre for rural transport
vehicles and distribution of permits, as well.
The Centre has formed the panel for framing
stricter penalties under the new road safety bill that include imprisonment for
offences such as minor driving, over speeding, drink & drive, talking over
phone while driving and jumping red lights. The final opinion by the panel of
ministers is anticipated to take place by the end of June 2016.
According to a recent report published by TechSci Research, “India Radio Taxi Services Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2020” radio
taxi services market in India has been exhibiting strong growth over the last
few years with Tier-I and Tier-II cities witnessing vast improvements in their
transportation systems. With changing travellers lifestyle and preferences, an
increasing number of people in the country, prefer well-maintained, on-time
taxi services.
As per TechSci Research, backed by several benefits offered by
radio taxi operators such as safe, reliable and comfortable travel experience,
online booking/payment option, booking through apps, 24x7 availability, promotional
discounts, etc., customers are increasingly shifting from traditional
unorganized taxis to organized radio taxis. However, the growing taxi services
in the country, especially in capital region, has forced the state government
to form a regulatory responsible for radio taxi operations, considering the
welfare of citizens.