App-based cabs eligible for comeback subject to riders

The Delhi Government Transport Department, on Monday, modified the law governing radio taxis plying in the Capital, paving the way for the return of web-based services, such as Uber, after weeks of deliberations post the rape of a 27-year-old MNC executive.

Major modifications made to the Radio Taxi Scheme of 2006 will now allow aggregators of taxis as well as entities operating through web-based applications to operate subject to conditions stipulated under the Motor Vehicles (MV) and the Information Technology (IT) Act.

They also ostensibly seem to aim at stricter background checks on drivers, added safety procedures and harsher penalties on the operators of such services in reaction to the public outcry following the said incident, they also opened up the sector to what a source described as ‘groups of indigenous drivers, competitive services and more employment opportunities’ by relaxation of cab fleets from 500 to 200 cars.

“The hearing in the Uber matter is still under way and nothing definite about their return to Delhi can be said as a result,” said an official.

Source - The Hindu