Maharashtra Aggregator Policy: Drivers who cancel rides will be fined, government's strictness on Ola-Uber

Now, if a cab driver cancels your booking, he will be penalized instantly. The unique thing is that the penalty will also be debited to the passenger's account instantly at the same time. Previously it was that if the customer canceled the booking, and a fee was charged from him, now the same rule will be applied to the driver also.

The state government has come to the conclusion that now cab operators (such as Ola, Uber, etc.) won't be allowed to impose arbitrary fares on commuters. In the "Aggregator Cabs Policy 2025", the government has resolved that any company cannot impose a surge fee that is higher than 1.5 times the regular fare. Previously in some instances, the fare used to be 3 to 5 times during peak hours in particular. From now on the app's algorithm too will be modified in such a way so that this ceiling limit can be set.

It has also been decided in this policy that at least 80 percent of the total fare of every ride should go to the driver. This will improve the income of the driver and they will not refuse to take a ride, especially for short routes. This will provide convenience to the passengers.

In the new policy, special attention has also been given to the safety of women. If a female passenger chooses ride sharing (ride-pooling), then only a female driver or a female co-passenger can travel with her. Also, features to protect the privacy of female passengers will also be mandatory in the app. Cab companies will also have to ensure that there is an atmosphere of complete safety and trust during the journey.

Now emergency contact facility will have to be provided in every cab app so that the passenger can ask for help if needed. Also, background verification of every driver by police and other agencies has been made mandatory. Its purpose is to ensure the safety of passengers.

If a driver's rating is less than 2 out of 5, then he will have to compulsorily go to a training camp for a few days. This rating is given by the passengers after every trip, which reveals the quality of the driver. The government will strictly implement it.

The policy also includes the well-being of the driver and his family. It has provision for medical insurance and other facilities, so that drivers can get social and economic security.

This entire policy has been made on the basis of the instructions of the Supreme Court. A committee was formed to prepare it, which was headed by Sudhir Kumar Srivastava. It has been implemented as per the Motor Vehicle Act and rules.