Meters will be mandatory for app-based taxis if the Delhi government's new policy gets approved
The high court had asked the government to set up a committee and come up with a 'model' law for regulating such services.
App-based taxi services such as Ola and Uber will have to install meters and charge government-prescribed fares in the Capital under the Delhi government's proposed policy for such services, Transport Minister Satyendar Jain said on Wednesday. The minister said the policy would be discussed with stakeholders and the public before it is sent to the lieutenant governor for approval, reported ANI. The proposed policy will bring an end to the confusion caused by surge pricing, which the government and taxi unions have decried as unfair.
On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court had asked the government to set up a committee and come up with a "model" law for regulating such cab services. The court will hear the matter again on Thursday, PTI reported. The court also recommended that a panel – comprising two senior officials each from the Delhi government and the Centre as well as an expert – be formed to hear out all the stakeholders. Till then, the app-based taxi firm will have to abide by the rates stipulated by the Delhi government.
The court was hearing a number of petitions filed by an association of radio taxi operators and Ola. While the association alleged that Ola and Uber are operating without any licence, fleecing customers and the government is not doing anything about it, Ola has accused Uber of over-charging and not following court orders.