The Gujarat Government will soon announce a policy for app-based cab and auto-rickshaw aggregators, including a minimum base fare that operators must follow. Violations of the prescribed rates could attract penalties.
The move comes amid disputes involving app-based services such as Ola, Uber and Rapido, including driver boycotts and complaints from passengers about overcharging.
Some drivers have also urged passengers to switch to Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-based ride-hailing service.The state transport department has held two rounds of discussions with driver unions to address the issues.
A senior department official told Ahmedabad Mirror that the new policy would follow the Centre’s guidelines for cab aggregators.The minimum base fare will be mandatory for operators, and the new rates are expected to be announced shortly.
Under the national guidelines, aggregators can charge surge fares of up to twice the base fare during peak hours. During non-peak hours, fares can be as low as 50% of the base fare.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has also barred pre-ride tipping prompts to prevent passengers from being encouraged to pay extra tips to secure a ride more quickly.