Mumbai: Maharashtra govt is set to introduce a technology-driven regulatory framework for app-based transport services aimed at ensuring fair competition between independent cab drivers and large fleet operators while improving passenger safety and transparency.
High-value rides, including airport trips and long-distance bookings, are often allocated disproportionately to fleet vehicles, affecting their earnings, according to drivers. The move follows concerns raised by independent taxi drivers who have long alleged that proprietary algorithms used by app-based cab aggregators favour corporate-backed fleet owners over individual operators.
The CM has now directed that an efficient system be set up so that in case of an incident, the information about the concerned vehicle and driver will be available immediately.
Fadnavis said the system will also maintain real-time records of drivers operating vehicles in different shifts. The primary objective of the new Aggregator Policy extends beyond basic market regulation: it aims to protect local cab drivers while fostering equitable economic growth, said a senior transport official. “Alongside fair trip distribution, the state plans to integrate robust social security measures into the platform framework—focusing on standardised minimum earnings, regulated working hours, health insurance coverage, Provident Fund (PF), and Employee State Insurance (ESI) benefits. ”
Under the proposed system, details of every vehicle operating under aggregator platforms, including registration records, parking facilities, driver information, licences and police verification documents, will be available on a unified digital platform.