Booked a cab ahead of some crucial work and the driver did not turn up at the last minute? Hardly an uncommon occurrence if you take cabs on the regular.
However, if a draft proposal by Delhi government to regulate the cab-aggregators sees light of the day, cab drivers will think twice before cancelling the trip.
The policy prohibits drivers from refusing a passenger or discriminating on the basis of gender, race, religion, caste, disability etc. The new regulatory policy proposes a penalty of Rs 25,000 for such violations, The Times of India reported. A five member committee, headed by PWD minister Satyendar Jain, vetted the draft which also promises to cap surge pricing and ensure several safety measures.
On surge pricing, aggregators would have to abide by both maximum and minimum fares to be fixed by the transport department or face a fine of Rs 25,000 for each violation.
Another important feature of the draft is that the onus of reporting a crime that occurs aboard the taxis will be on app-based cab aggregators, failing which they will will be liable to a fine of ₹1 lakh, The Hindu reported.
“In case of any incident, molestation or misconduct in the taxi reported by the passenger which amounts to offence, the aggregator shall have to file a police complaint,” the policy stated.
The draft policy proposes a host of safety measures for the commuters amid rise in complaints against errant drivers. It seeks to make it mandatory for app to introduce new features which includes enabling the passenger to share their location and cab details with a minimum of two persons through the app. The app also must have a ‘panic button’, which when pressed,will immediately alert the local police. The rules also mandate aggregation companies to create an online ‘portal for registration of complaints including complaints including those of criminal nature’.
Any person convicted within the past seven years of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or convicted at any time for any cognizable offense, will not be permitted to drive. Additionally, it also advises the aggregators to encourage women drivers to join the platform.
Netizens were overjoyed over the proposed regulatory changes which will make commuters travel safer and hassle-free.
