New cab aggregator policy aims at sustainable mobility

NEW DELHI

The Delhi government led by Arvind Kejriwal had given the green light to the Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, which legalises bike taxis and outlines comprehensive regulation and licencing of app-based aggregators and delivery service providers.

An official said that since CM Arvind Kejriwal has given his approval to the policy, it has now been sent to Delhi’s LG V.K. Saxena for final clearance and aims to promote green and sustainable mobility in the city, while also enhancing the quality of transportation services as well as the safety of commuters.
Once notified, the scheme mandates that all existing or new operators obtain a licence within 90 days of notification or before commencing operations. Licences will be valid for five years, with annual fees applicable and zero fees in the case of electric vehicles. A 50% rebate is also provided for vehicles that are less than two years old.

According to the policy, bike taxis have to be completely electric, with the policy curtailing the presence of petrol or diesel-fuelled bikes. Apart from this, the government has also set timelines for other modes of vehicles—both passenger service providers and delivery service providers—to convert to electric.

However, the policy does not mention anything about surge pricing.
A source in the government, aware of the policy, said, “Aggregators will have to follow the price set by the government for taxis in Delhi.” He added, “The scheme is stringent in enforcing compliance, with violations attracting monetary penalties ranging from Rs 5,000 up to Rs 1,00,000 per instance,” an official said. Kejriwal had said, “The scheme marks a significant milestone in Delhi’s fight against pollution. Delhi has become the first state/UT in India, and among very few cities globally, to mandate a time-bound transition of the commercial vehicle fleet of aggregators, delivery service providers, and e-commerce entities to zero-emission electric vehicles.” Delhi Transport Minister, Kailash Gahlot said it is the first time in the country “that any aggregator scheme has defined targets for them to convert their fleet into e-vehicles, promoting green and sustainable mobility in the city”. He added that the scheme “holds the potential to not only safeguard our environment but, more significantly, enhance the well-being of the citizens of Delhi”. He said the policy also provides a feature enabling the rider to share the live location and status of his or her ride. The aggregator is required to have an emergency number on the app to report any concern or harassment during a ride to the enforcement authorities.