Fadnavis orders app-taxi platform giving all drivers an equal chance at rides

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued directions so that independent taxi drivers and drivers attached to aggregator companies in Maharashtra get an equal chance at ride allocation. He said a separate technology platform giving everyone equal opportunity should be developed, and the aggregator vehicle policy implemented effectively through it. The aim is to create an environment of transparent and fair competition in passenger transport.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik gave the Chief Minister a detailed presentation on implementing the aggregator vehicle policy under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2026. It raised several issues concerning the security of independent taxi drivers' livelihoods and ensuring them a fair chance.

The presentation said the passenger transport business is growing in the state through Ola, Uber and other aggregator companies. Meanwhile, there are complaints that independent taxi drivers face difficulties in getting rides, earning, and competing with large fleet operators. Sarnaik spoke of the need for a transparent, technology-based system, free of the flaws in the present arrangement, that gives all drivers an equal chance.

One complaint from independent drivers is that the method of the algorithm used by apps to allocate rides is unclear. There is a perception that on higher-earning trips from large locations such as airports, drivers of big fleet operators are given preference, while independent drivers get relatively low-earning trips. The need was therefore put forward for a transparent ride allocation system, and for technology that does not do injustice to any driver.

Another complaint concerns action against drivers. Independent drivers say their accounts are closed or suspended even for minor lapses. The question was also raised whether big fleet operators are acted against by the same yardsticks. The presentation said the preference allegedly given to large fleet operators such as Everest Fleets, Move Fleet and Carrom Fleet is affecting independent drivers' business. It therefore stressed the need for the same rules, the same standards and fair procedures for all drivers.

It was also demanded that there be transparency in fixing fares, giving incentives, evaluating drivers and allocating rides. The demand added that matters of social security, such as drivers' earnings, working hours, insurance cover, provident fund (PF) and Employees' State Insurance (ESI), should also be made clear.

The presentation also raised the need for an independent audit of technical systems such as ride allocation, geo-fencing, live geo-location and surge pricing. It said these systems should be effectively monitored and used in the interest of all drivers.

Giving his directions, Fadnavis said the aggregator vehicle policy is not meant merely to regulate passenger transport through aggregator companies, but to give all stakeholders, including independent taxi drivers, an equal chance. He said the emphasis should therefore be on developing a platform that brings transparency to technology-based ride allocation and avoids dominance by big companies or any kind of discrimination.

This arrangement will protect the livelihoods of independent taxi drivers, give local sons of the soil an equal chance in the business, and create fair competition in the passenger transport sector. The government will also keep working to make implementation of the aggregator vehicle policy more transparent and effective, so that passengers get a safe, good-quality and affordable service.