Bike taxi aggregators have sought All India Tourism Permits for two-wheelers so that bikers do not have problems in inter-state operations, especially in the NCR.
In a meeting with Union minister of road transport and highways, the aggregators also sought exemption from the need of commercial driving licences for bikers and clarity on insurance policy.
Bikers attached with app based aggregators face issues when they travel on Gurgaon-Delhi-Gurgaon and Chandigarh-Panchakula-Chandigarh routes as they have to enter other states. Bikers are often stopped by transport authorities for not possessing licences to travel in other state, the representative of an aggregator said at the meeting.
Secretary of the ministry Sanjay Mitra convened the meeting in September in which representatives of Ola, Uber, Baxi, Rapido, and NOW bike taxies were present. The meeting was aimed at addressing concerns of start-ups and to bring clarity concerning regulations about cab and bike aggregators.
The meeting was held after Delhi high court had in August directed formation a panel to examine issues related to permits for taxis and cab aggregators.
Aggregator representatives said in the meeting that owners of bike taxis should not be forced to take commercial driving licences as this would restrict supply of bike riders.
“Ability to ride a bike is the most abundant skill available in the country. By keeping entry barriers low, we can ensure that a large number of youth can turn this skill into a viable vocation,” Ashutosh Johri, CEO of Baxi, said.
“At Ola, our mission is to create mobility for a billion Indians. In this quest, we would welcome any new modes for rapid transportation,” an Ola spokesperson said.
In the meeting, the aggregators agreed to cap the upper limit of charges but requested the government to not put a lower limit.
An official said the ministry is considering demands and recommendation of the aggregators while keeping in mind rights and safety of commuters.
