Cab fares & safety features rules in last leg

BHOPAL

: In a bid to ensure fair play in cab, auto fares and safety measures, the state government is busy working out modalities to frame rules.

It will cover all taxi operators — Ola, Uber, auto and rental bikes. Government will list security measures, including GPRS, integrated control room, verification of drivers, tracking vehicles and safety features. Almost in final stage, the rules once in place, will regulate fares and are likely to come into effect in a month.

The transport department invited suggestions before finalising the draft. Officials said the proposal is in final stage. It would be sent to the

Cabinet

for approval by month-end. There are some app-based taxi operators that have some basic safety measures, but it is not uniform. Besides, the government is unaware of number of taxi operators in the state. The government may also make it mandatory for cab owners to register with the government before starting services. Officials in the secretariat said the need for regulation of firms offering cab services was felt after

Nirbhaya

gang rape in Delhi.

There is need for uniform norms first. After it, the state government will be able to regulate all cab services operating in the state. Security features like if a cab stops in between after taking a passenger or heads towards a different location, it should alert control room of the cab service.

In past, the state government issued certain guidelines and asked app-taxi providers to follow the Motor Vehicles Act, but this was only regarding issues like taxi permit and timewise fare.

“It will be a fair deal for everyone — passenger and service provider,” said an official, adding they aim to fix lowest fare in such a way that it benefits passengers and doesn’t hurt firm’s bottom line either.

While app-based cabs have changed the way of life in Bhopal, there is simmering tension among auto drivers, who are demanding better regulation of taxi aggregators.

Officials said barring public transport buses, as these are not hired by individuals, other vehicle rental services will come under ambit of the regulation.

Officials said the notification would specify the mandatory criteria for providing such services — the aggregators would have to register with transport department and pay fees to the government.

Those applying for licence will have to have a minimum number of vehicles. The state will fix the minimum and maximum fares so that passengers aren’t fleeced and no firm undercuts others.

Principal

secretary, transport, SN

Mishra

said rules to regulate cab services are being finalised and are expected to be enforced in few weeks.

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