Govt proposes psychological test for cab aggregator drivers
The psychological test, among many other proposals, has been introduced by the centre aimed at regulating fares, increasing passenger safety, reducing pollution and safeguarding the interests of drivers from the platforms. To be sure, most of the clauses of these guidelines will only come into effect if states choose to implement them.
To protect consumers and encourage competition, the ministry of road transport and highways has proposed that platforms can now charge up to a maximum of twice the base fare during peak hours and a minimum of 50% of the base fare during lean hours.
The centre's new policy mandates that the driver must receive at least 80% of the applicable fare and ensure drivers have health and term insurance of at least ₹ 5 lakh and ₹ 10 lakh, respectively, and a minimum of ₹ 5 lakh insurance cover for each passenger. In the interest for safety, driver's license and vehicle permit must be displayed inside the vehicle and the app must display a clear, high-resolution photo of the driver, the policy document states.
Further to reduce congestion, lower pollution, and improve affordable last-mile connectivity, the centre has allowed the use of private motorbikes as cabs. This incidentally comes after the Karnataka high court earlier in June had banned the use of bike taxis.
The policy also proposes the delisting of vehicles older than eight years from these platforms.
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