Tightening its noose on app-based taxi aggregators including Uber and Ola, the AAP government has decided not to compromise with Delhi’s air quality and women safety by directing the companies to only run CNG-based taxis which also have GPS and license, to operate in capital.
The Arvind Kejriwal government has also decided to move court against app-based taxi aggregators if they do not follow its directives.
The government has given a last chance to give a hearing to Ola and Uber to present their views on laid down norms.
“We verified the data provided by Uber, Ola Cabs and found that over 80 per cent of their taxis are diesel-run which contribute to polluting of Delhi’s air extensively.
“We will not allow to run their such taxis in Delhi at any cost. Uber and Ola have to bring all their taxis on CNG.
Government cannot compromise over pollution issue,” Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai told PTI.
He also said that Uber, Ola have to install GPS in their taxis and get them registered with the transport department.
“In view of women safety, we have asked them to install GPS in their all taxis besides registering them with the government.
“As per court’s order, we are giving a chance to Uber and Ola to hear them, but if they do not follow government’s these directives, we will approach court against them and apprised the respected court about their wrongdoings as to how they are flouting laid down rules,” Rai also said.
In order to reduce increasing air pollution, Delhi government recently imposed congestion fee on goods vehicles entering in Delhi.
All app-based cab services were banned in the national capital after a driver of Uber was accused of raping a woman passenger in December last year.
A senior government official said that the ban still continues to be in force in the national capital, however, the aggregators are allegedly “flouting the norms”.