Maharashtra rolls out new aggregator policy for Ola, Uber, Rapido; driver earnings, passenger safety in focus

The Maharashtra government has implemented a new aggregator policy to regulate appbased passenger transport services making it mandatory for companies such as Ola Uber and Rapido to operate only after complying with the states prescribed rules and conditionsAnnouncing the policy Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the move aims to make appbased transport services safer more transparent accountable and better regulated He said the policy would boost government revenue prioritise passenger safety protect drivers financial interests and create new employment opportunities for local youthSarnaik said lakhs of passengers use appbased transport services across Maharashtra every day However the absence of a uniform regulatory framework had led to concerns over passenger safety drivers earnings arbitrary fare pricing delays in grievance redressal and loss of government revenueUnder the new policy every aggregator operating in Maharashtra will be required to obtain a licence from the state transport authority Each company will be issued a unique licence identification number after paying the prescribed fee enabling better regulation of the sector while increasing state revenueThe state government will also develop a dedicated online portal to enable realtime monitoring of aggregator vehicles The portal will facilitate GPS tracking driver verification and prompt action against violationsPassenger safety and driver welfare at the corePassenger safety has been given top priority under the policy Every aggregator company must operate a 24X7 call centre appoint a grievance redressal officer and resolve complaints within the stipulated timeDrivers must possess a valid driving licence and badge undergo mandatory training and will not be allowed to drive continuously for more than 12 hours Passengers will also be able to rate drivers while insurance cover will be provided for both drivers and copassengersTo safeguard drivers financial interests the government has mandated that drivers receive at least 80 per cent of the total fareThe measure is aimed at preventing unfair commission practices and ensuring fair compensationTo curb arbitrary fare pricing Regional Transport Authorities RTAs will determine the base fare The policy also places limits on surge pricing prevents excessive fare discounts or overcharging in the name of promotional offers and caps convenience fees to ensure transparent and reasonable pricing for passengersFleet cap Marathi proficiency and local employmentSarnaik said the policy is intended to create opportunities for individual vehicle owners instead of benefiting only large fleet operatorsAccordingly a vendor can register a maximum of 50 vehicles per app platform in Mumbai Pune Nashik and Nagpur while the limit has been fixed at 25 vehicles in the rest of the state The cap will apply separately to each vendor fleet on every platformExplaining the rationale Sarnaik said the provision was introduced to maintain social balance so that the rich do not become richer while the poor become poorerThe policy also makes a badge mandatory for all commercial passenger transport drivers To obtain the badge drivers must submit the required documents provide proof of Maharashtra residence and demonstrate working knowledge of MarathiAccording to the minister the requirement will ensure that passengers can communicate with trained and responsible drivers in the local language while creating more employment opportunities for Marathispeaking youthMaharashtras youth should have the first right to employment opportunities in the state Local youth with practical knowledge of Marathi and the required qualifications will get dignified and sustainable employment opportunities in the appbased transport sector Sarnaik saidWomenonly ridepooling option and legal framework for carpoolingTo enhance womens safety the policy provides women passengers using ridepooling services with the option of travelling only with women drivers or women copassengersThe government has also made it mandatory for every aggregators mobile application and website to be available in Marathi Hindi and English to improve accessibility for passengersThe policy encourages the phased adoption of electric and alternative fuel vehicles to promote environmentally sustainable transportIn a first Maharashtra has also provided a legal framework for carpooling Private vehicle owners will be allowed to offer carpooling services but making a profit from such services will not be permitted Participants may only share the cost of the journeyThe government said the measure would provide commuters with an affordable travel option while helping reduce traffic congestion and pollutionSarnaik said any aggregator company wishing to operate in Maharashtra would have to strictly comply with the states regulations adding that the policy would bring longterm improvements to the transport sector by strengthening passenger confidence protecting drivers interests improving transparency in fare collection and generating government revenue