Pune: Ola, Uber Aggregator License Applications Rejected by Regional Transport Authority

The Regional Transport Authority has prohibited Ola and Uber from operating cabs in Pune due to their failure to comply with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines Act of 2020. Although the Transport Authorities Have Not made the date of this order's implementation clear, the Pune RTO has initiated action against the cab operators.

A meeting of the Regional Transport Authority headed by the District Collector, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) was held on Monday in Pune. The authorities highlighted the issue when they reviewed applications submitted by Ola and Uber for aggregator licences under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines Act, 2020, for four-wheeler light vehicles. Upon examination of the applications, it was discovered that these businesses were not completely adhering to the Act's requirements. As a result, the RTO stated in a circular that the licence of both companies was turned down in the Monday meeting. However, the companies can appeal against the order to the Appellate Authority within 30 days.

Also Read | Ola and Uber Drivers Announce Indefinite Strike in Pune Starting February 20.

Under the Motor Vehicle Aggregate Guidelines Act 2020, OLA and Uber had previously filed for permits to run four-wheelers in Pune. However, the RTO has denied them permits because they failed to provide the documentation.
 
Regional Transport Officer of Pune, Sanjeev Bhor, while talking to LokmatTimes.com, said, “We have already started taking actions against the cabs. It will take some time as the number of vehicles is more than one lakh and two squads have been formed. And as the exams are also ongoing we don’t want the public to face any sudden inconvenience. In addition to insurance plans for drivers, correct introduction of health insurance every two years, and licence renewal, requirements include driver education, two years of driving experience before obtaining a licence, and driver renewals. However, those companies weren't adhering to this.”

The RTA's action would affect the public and cab drivers and owners, as thousands of residents in Pune prefer to use online cabs and auto rickshaws for their daily commute.

Dr Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, president of the Indian Gig Workers Front, stated that “Ola and Uber did not comply with the guidelines by the RTA. Both companies were given provisional permits to operate their business and notices were sent to both companies. And now that their licences have been cancelled. The license of Ola and Uber in the Pune RTO Region (Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Baramati) has been cancelled by Pune RTA and termed as illegal. But if Ola Uber is working without any paperwork and license, FIR should be filed against them and their employees and their illegal offices should be sealed in Pune Collectorate limits.”

Vishal Yadav, an IT employee working in Viman Nagar, said, “I use OLA and Uber to commute daily to my office from Sangvi to Vimannagar. It is very feasible as it comes to your doorstep, and we will get to know the fare in advance. Now that these services will discontinue it will be difficult for me to hire a cab for my office every day.”

Also Read | Pune Cab Strike: Ola and Uber Drivers Suspend Services, Demand Fare Hike Approval.

More than 55000 cab operators work with OLA and Uber in Pune, which makes up almost 70 per cent of the total number of auto rickshaws and cabs on city roads. Ajay, an Uber driver who relocated from Parbhani district to Pune in search of work, later borrowed a four-wheeler and drove it using the Uber App. " I borrowed my vehicle thinking that I would earn some money by using it on Uber. Now that the authorities have decided to shut down the business, it will be really difficult for people like me to earn their daily bread and butter.”

Dilip Ratan Jadhav, who drives an auto-rickshaw and used to get bookings on Uber, stated that “it was easy for us to get business on Ola and Uber, but still the companies used to exploit us in commissions. If something illegal is happening, it should stop.”