Ola and Uber License Rejected by Pune RTA, Can Appeal Decision Within 30 Days

Pune, 13th March 2024: The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has rejected the applications submitted by cab companies Ola and Uber for obtaining an aggregator license for intra-city passenger transport. Both companies have the option to appeal this decision to the Maharashtra State Transport Department within 30 days. Despite the rejection, Ola and Uber are permitted to continue their passenger transport operations during this period.

The rejection of the license applications comes under the Motor Vehicle Aggregators Guidelines- 2020. The RTA has cited violations of various provisions, including the absence of health insurance and life insurance for partner cab drivers, failure to provide regular training, and imposing technical restrictions on cab drivers for exceeding 12 consecutive hours of service. Sanjeev Bhor, Member Secretary and Regional Transport Officer of RTA conveyed this information. The decision was made during a meeting attended by RTA President and Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase, Secretary Bhor, Pimpri Chinchwad RTO Atul Aare, and Pune Police Traffic Deputy Commissioner Rohidas Pawar.

Both Ola and Uber have the right to appeal to the state government authority within the next 30 days. During this appeal period, they are allowed to continue their passenger transport services. It is worth noting that the application of these cab companies to obtain an aggregator license is also pending with the RTO in Mumbai.

Dr Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, President of the Indian Gig Workers Front, has emphasized that the rejection of the license applications confirms their claim that Ola and Uber were operating illegally. He called for criminal action against them, not just administrative measures. Currently, there are approximately 50,000 cabs in the city and surrounding areas, with Ola and Uber accounting for 75-80% of this market share. Five additional cab companies are also providing passenger transport services without having applied for an RTA license.