Govt notifies its draft policy for cab aggregators, seeks feedback

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has notified the draft policy to regulate cab aggregators and delivery services in the national capital and sought feedback from the public before it gets the final nod.
"Objections or suggestions should be addressed to the principal secretary-cum-commissioner (transport), Government of NCT of Delhi, transport department, or through email at commtpt@nic.in and delhievcell@gmail.com," a public notice issued by the transport department stated.
The draft of the Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, 2023, is available on the transport department's website. Mandatory panic buttons in taxis, integration with emergency number '112' and timely redressal of consumer grievances are some of the policy's major highlights.
The policy also focuses on giving legal status to bike taxis and phase-wise transition of cabs to electric vehicles in the next five years. All bike taxis and two-wheeler rental services in the city will be electric. The provisions are in line with the Delhi EV Policy 2020, said the Delhi government.
According to a senior official, the draft aggregator policy prioritises the safety of passengers and ensures timely grievance redressal, while also promoting the use of electric vehicles and reducing pollution levels in the city.
The MV Aggregator Scheme, 2023, will be applicable to any person or entity that operates, onboards or manages a fleet of motor vehicles through digital or electronic means, or any other means to ferry passengers. It will make it mandatory for aggregators to install a panic button and integration with Delhi Police's 112 for emergencies. The scheme also includes a mechanism to ensure enforcement of vehicle fitness, pollution control and validity of permits. It also provides for remedial training in instances where the driver's performance is poor.