The Karnataka Transport Department on Friday directed popular Ola and Uber to withdraw ride-sharing feature from their mobile applications immediately. While the drivers have welcomed the ban on ride-sharing, the moride-sharingve is likely to disappoint passengers who regularly use such services, known for being cheaper than the regular cab services.
“Action will be taken against Ola and Uber if they continue to feature ride-sharing option. It’s not permissible under the present Act. We will write to the government to take a decision on ride-sharing services. Till then, such services will be illegal,” VP Ikkeri, Transport Commissioner told ET.
The direction to Ola and Uber was given during the closed-door meeting with the representatives of cab aggregators and cab drivers. The ride hailing taxi operators were told to comply with the rule immediately.
Tanveer Pasha, president of Ola, Uber and TaxiforSure drivers and Owners Association welcomed the decision. He said ride-sharing services were not only against the law but it was also against the drivers. “Ride-sharing option is widely used. But the money earned is not even enough to meet the expenses incurred by cab drivers. Picking several passengers from different places is of no use for cab drivers as it’s not worth the effort,” he said.
