Uber announces additional security in India as the government seems likely to amend radio taxis regulation to support app-based taxi services
Uber, an app-based transportation network and taxi company may resume its services in New Delhi as the government is likely to amend changes to the Radio Taxi Scheme of 2006 to bring the web-based taxi aggregators under the same regulations, ET reports. The company was banned from operating in India’s capital in the wake of the rape of a female passenger by a Uber-registered driver earlier this month.
Earlier this month, the home ministry had issued an advisory in which it asked to ban all the app-based taxi aggregator services in the country as they were not licensed as radio taxis. According to the report, the home ministry officials could issue a notification by next week in which they will announce the inclusion of app-based aggregators under the Radio Taxis Scheme of 2006. While the rule will only be applicable in the New Delhi, it could act as a reference for other Indian states where Uber and other such services operate.
The new proposed law will find Uber and other such services accountable for the conduct of drivers in their network. The drivers in question will be required to display their photographs and licence on the dashboard at all times. The taxi company will also not be able to employ vehicles with All India Permits if they are meant for inter-state travel, the report added.
In a blogpost last night, the taxi company announced that it looks forward to introducing additional safety checks in India. Uber said that it will be re-verifying all Uber Delhi driver-partners with local police. A team will further verify the documents of all the drivers and perform an additional background screening. The company also announced that it will set up a dedicated customer support center. And lastly, an enhanced ShareMyEta button feature will be added to the app wherein trip details like GPS coordinates, driver photo, name, vehicle license number etc could be quickly sent to passenger’s loved ones.
“It’s been a difficult time for all involved, including the rider and driver communities in Delhi but we’re committed to bringing Uber back stronger and better in order to provide you with the safe, reliable and convenient transportation option that you deserve,” the blog post said.
The company has filed a petition on its website where it seeks help from people to let the government officials know that they trust Uber and want the ban on the service lifted. On December 29, the Transport Department will have a hearing in which it will determine whether Uber can resume its service in New Delhi.
IMPORT:-BGR.in
