In a swift move, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has unleashed a crackdown on Ola and Uber cab drivers, imposing hefty fines and detaining several for operating without proper licenses. This action comes in response to the denial of permission by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), signaling a stringent stance against non-compliance with regulations.
Following the rejection of licenses for Ola and Uber by the State Transport Tribunal, the RTO wasted no time in initiating enforcement measures. Numerous drivers found themselves facing fines of up to Rs. 18,000 and even detainment for disregarding the authority’s directives.
The crackdown sent shockwaves through Pune Airport, as RTO officials conducted overnight raids, causing chaos among cab drivers and inconvenience for late-night travelers. The closure of the Ola Uber office further exacerbated the situation, leaving many stranded without transportation options.
The refusal of the RTA to grant licenses to Uber India Systems Pvt. Ltd and ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd, the parent company of Ola, stems from compliance issues with regulations. Under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA), these cases will now proceed directly to court, as there is no provision for compounding fees.
Despite initial announcements of strict enforcement, RTO officials later declared a temporary halt to actions against Ola and Uber drivers until mid-April. This decision provides the companies with an opportunity to appeal before the state transport appellate tribunal, offering a brief reprieve amid the regulatory turmoil.
Under the directive of the district collector, the Pune Regional Transport Authority has imposed a blanket ban on Ola and Uber operations across Pune City, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Baramati. While both companies had applied for licenses under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines Act, 2020, their failure to fully comply with regulations resulted in the denial of operational permits.
