Maharashtra orders strict checks on Ola, Uber, Rapido drivers; separate law under consideration

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed senior officials of the Motor Vehicles Department to carry out strict checks on the background, vehicle permits and necessary documents of drivers attached to app-based services such as Rapido, Ola and Uber.

The minister also said that if the checks turn up violations of rules or criminal wrongdoing, strong action should be taken against those concerned and cases registered. The option of framing a separate amended law, to keep more effective control over app-based services, will also be considered.

The issue has come into focus after action by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) against a man who ran a Rapido bike taxi in Mumbai's Mahim area. It is alleged that objectionable material was spread from his social media account. The case is under investigation.

Following the incident, questions were raised about how effective the process of verifying the backgrounds of drivers working with app-based services is. The Transport Department was told that, for passenger safety, the checking of a driver's identity, documents and required licences should be stricter.

However, allegations against one person and the probe into them cannot be linked to all drivers. The emphasis will therefore be on action based only on verification as per the rules and on evidence.

Drivers attached to companies such as Rapido, Ola and Uber have been asked to be subjected to tighter checks of their driving licences, necessary documents and backgrounds. Sarnaik made it clear that if the checks find rule-breaking or irregularities that are cognisable under law, strict action should follow against the drivers concerned, as per the rules. Cases will also be registered where necessary.

More attention is likely to be paid to the verification of drivers, the validity of licences and compliance with traffic rules. However, official details are yet to come on how exactly the checks will be done and by when they will be implemented.

Sarnaik said it is not enough to act on app-based services only after an incident occurs or a complaint comes in. Regular monitoring of these services is needed to see whether the rules are being followed.

Directions have also been given to review existing laws so as to bring the drivers of these services within the effective ambit of the state's transport regulation. The need for the departments concerned to work together to ensure passenger safety and discipline in the transport system was stressed.

The reach of app-based services is growing. It will therefore also be examined whether the provisions of existing laws are sufficient to control them. The transport minister has directed that, if reform of existing laws proves necessary, the option of a separate amended law be examined.

If a decision is taken to make such a law, it could open the way to clearer rules on driver registration, document verification, compliance with rules and responsibilities relating to passenger safety. It is not clear, however, whether a final decision has been taken on actually bringing in a separate law.

When a passenger books a ride through an app, it is essential that they get the driver's identity and vehicle details. It is equally essential that drivers hold the required licences and follow traffic rules.

The Transport Department's directions have brought the issue of driver verification and enforcement of rules in app-based services back into focus. Passengers are watching what steps the agencies concerned take and how effective the action against rule-breakers turns out to be.