Sarnaik orders strict checks on Ola, Uber, Rapido drivers, cases against rule-breakers

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed that drivers of app-based taxi services such as Rapido, Ola and Uber be strictly vetted in Mumbai. Drivers found violating rules should face stringent legal action and, where necessary, be booked, he said at a meeting of senior Motor Transport Department officials held today.

The meeting was called because complaints of various kinds against drivers of these services keep coming in. It also followed action by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) against a man who drove a Rapido bike taxi in Mumbai's Mahim area.

The man is accused of spreading objectionable content through his social media account. Police are investigating the case. Preliminary inquiries have reportedly found no evidence of any direct link between him and any person or organisation in Pakistan.

In view of the incident, Sarnaik said greater vigilance would be needed in verifying drivers of app-based services, ensuring their documents are in order and following the rules required for passenger safety.

He said the backgrounds, licences and permits, documents and rule compliance of drivers carrying passengers through companies such as Rapido, Ola and Uber should all be checked closely. If the checks reveal violations of rules or cognisable offences under the law, strict action should be taken against those concerned and cases registered, he said.

Sarnaik also said such services should be monitored regularly rather than acted against only after an incident occurs. He called for changes in the law to bring them under the State Transport Authority, and said an effective system to prevent possible irregularities was essential.

As app-based ride services continue to expand, the rules applicable to drivers in this sector must be properly enforced, he said. The minister directed that if existing laws or rules lack the necessary provisions, the option of framing a new amended law to bring drivers within the legal framework be considered seriously.

The meeting sent a clear message that there will be no compromise on passenger safety, discipline in the transport system and compliance with the law. Sarnaik told the departments concerned to coordinate with one another, take complaints seriously and act against offenders as the law provides.