In a significant move, the Pune Regional Transport Authority (RTO) has initiated a comprehensive crackdown on ride-hailing aggregators Ola and Uber, barring them from operating in Pune City, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Baramati. The decision, announced by the district collector, comes in response to alleged violations of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines Act, 2020.
The Regional Transport Authority has formed four specialized squads tasked with enforcing the ban on Ola and Uber services within the designated areas. Sanjeev Bhor, Regional Transport Officer, emphasized that strict action would be taken against any instances of these aggregators operating against the prohibition. Additionally, measures have been instructed to ensure minimal disruption to citizens, particularly school children and commuters who heavily rely on these services.
Despite the ban, reports indicate that Ola and Uber cabs were still operational in certain areas on Wednesday. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential inconvenience faced by commuters if the ban is rigorously enforced. Some citizens have called for a dialogue between stakeholders to find a mutually beneficial solution.
According to RTO officials, the applications for aggregator licenses by Ola and Uber have been pending since December 2023. A thorough review revealed discrepancies in compliance with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines Act, 2020. Consequently, the RTO issued a circular rejecting permission for further operations by the aggregators.
Sanjeev Bhor highlighted several areas of non-compliance by Ola and Uber, including deficiencies in driver training, requisite driving experience, and insurance provisions for drivers. The failure to adhere to these mandatory conditions led to the suspension of their services.
The decision to crack down on Ola and Uber has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some advocate for strict enforcement of regulations, others express concerns over the potential inconvenience caused to commuters. Stakeholder groups emphasize the importance of adherence to guidelines for ensuring the safety and welfare of both passengers and drivers.
