Public safety, feedback system: Draft scheme lists out rules for aggregators

The scheme does not clearly talk about surge pricing charged by cab aggregators.

However, the draft says that aggregators will have to comply with the transport department for providing ‘on-demand’ service mobility.

“The fare for providing on-demand service mobility shall comply with the order(s) of the Department of Transport, GNCTD, as may be notified from time to time,” read the draft notification.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had approved the draft scheme earlier this month and sent it to the L-G for approval to put it out in the public domain for inviting feedback.

The scheme will set some rules for both aggregators providing passenger services and delivery services. The scheme’s key aim is to make aggregators and service providers transition to EVs completely by 2030.

The scheme also lays the foundation for a regulatory provision for bike taxis and rent-a-bike services.

It says that Delhi has never permitted bike taxis to operate in the city. Under the new policy, all bike taxis and two-wheeler renting services shall only be via electric two-wheelers, it adds. These provisions are in-line with the Delhi EV Policy 2020, said officials.

Other highlights of the schemes are public safety like setting up of command control centre by aggregators and it should be able to access data like origin, destination and route of trip, along with mandatory panic buttons, integration with emergency response number 112.

The aggregators will also have to monitor ratings and feedback from passengers, and training would be provided to drivers who have been awarded a rating of less than three out of five in a month.

The draft also talks about a mechanism to ensure timely and effective redressal of riders grievances against the ride, driver or the condition of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the transport department organised a stakeholder consultation on Delhi EV policy 2.0 Wednesday.

Transport minister Kailash Gahlot said, “The impact of the Delhi EV policy on the city’s transportation landscape is undeniably transformative, paving the way for a sustainable tomorrow. Over 1.2 lakh EVs have been registered in Delhi so far.”