HC directs Ola, Uber to charge government rates

The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed app-based taxi aggregators, including Ola and Uber, not to charge more than government-fixed rates from its passangers from August 22.

Justice Manmohan gave 10 days to these aggregators to comply with the Delhi government's 2013 policy, under which these cab companies were to charge fares prescribed by the Delhi Transport Department.

According to the government's notification, the fares of economy taxis is Rs 12.5 per km, for non-AC taxis Rs 14 per km and for AC black and yellow-top taxis Rs 16 per km. Additional night charge (25 per cent of the fare) is applicable between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The high court was hearing several cases related to surge pricing.

The court observed that while taxi aggregators like Ola and Uber reduce the pressure on public transport, "a uniform policy must be devised" for regulating them.

It directed a special committee, set up by the Centre to examine all issues related to existing permits given to taxis and cab aggregators, to also include one senior official each from the Ministry of Information Technology, Central Pollution Control Board and the Delhi Traffic Police apart from obtaining advise of a transport expert from the Niti (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog.

--IANS

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