Latest news with #VivekBhimanwar
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Bike Taxi Blues: RTO Calls For Views On Policy, Day Before Deadline Ends
Nagpur: Even though June 5 was the last date for submitting suggestions on Maharashtra's proposed bike taxi policy, the Nagpur Regional Transport Office (RTO) on Thursday invited public objections only on the final day, raising eyebrows over delayed communication and citizen outreach. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The draft rules, aimed at legalising two-wheeler taxi services in cities with over one lakh population, were issued by the state govt on May 22, but local-level awareness came tad too late. The state transport department's draft "Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025" lays out comprehensive aggregator policy for launching shared two-wheeler taxi services. Proposed rules make it mandatory for service providers to own at least 50 electric two-wheelers & apply for an aggregator licence using Form-1. Additional conditions include app-based booking systems, a fare structure, complaint redressal mechanism, & safety norms. In Nagpur, regional transport officer Kiran Bidkar told TOI the directive to seek public feedback was received the state transport commissioner's office headed by Vivek Bhimanwar only recently. "The last date was June 5. But since we got the instructions a couple of days ago, we are now inviting feedback from citizens. The govt may still consider the inputs," he said. However, transport activists criticised the timing, calling it a failure of public engagement. "This is a significant policy that impacts urban mobility, delivery workers, and unemployed youth looking to join the gig economy. Why was the public not informed in time?" said an auto-rickshaw union leader who preferred anonymity. The draft rules created a buzz among startups and delivery platforms, which have long demanded legalisation of two-wheeler taxis. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The policy could open doors for app-based services similar to those in other metro cities, providing affordable and faster last-mile connectivity. Still, concerns remain over traffic regulation, safety, insurance compliance, and impact on auto-rickshaw drivers. The RTO has asked citizens to send their suggestions or objections in writing or visit the city RTO office directly. However, with the official deadline now over, it remains unclear how long the window for feedback will remain open or whether new inputs will officially be incorporated into the final version submitted to the govt. Despite the communication lapse, RTO officials insisted they are committed to transparency & inclusivity in implementing the policy.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Book HSRP appointment before June 16, else risk denial of key services
Nagpur: Despite repeated directives from the Maharashtra transport commissioner, a majority of vehicle owners in Nagpur are yet to install High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. Now, the state transport department has warned that vehicle owners who have not fitted the HSRP plates will be denied key services after June 16. Vehicle owners who have booked appointment for HSRP fitment before this date have been exempted. On June 2, transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar issued a order directing all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in the state to stop processing ownership transfers, address change in registration certificates, hypothecation entries and removals, duplicate RC issuance, vehicle modification entries, and NOCs for vehicles that are not fitted with HSRP. "Only those vehicle owners who have a valid appointment for HSRP installation will be exempted. Renewal of fitness certificates for transport vehicles and registration certificate renewals for private vehicles are currently not included in this restriction," the order stated. HSRP installation was made mandatory under Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989. The new number plates come with unique serial numbers, holograms and are tamper-proof, ensuring better tracking and security. However, several issues are hampering compliance. Many motorists complain about the cumbersome online appointment procedure and a long waiting list at dealer fitment centres. There are also reports of some dealers charging exorbitant fees, despite clear instructions that no additional charges should be levied. Furthermore, in violation of norms, some dealers are affixing the plates using screws instead of the mandatory permanent fixtures. The transport department has also clarified that imitation HSRP plates — those that merely display holograms, the 'IND' mark, or words like 'INDIA'— will not be considered valid unless they are issued by an authorised manufacturer and updated on the VAHAN portal. Owners of such vehicles risk being fined Rs1,000 under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Out of the 16.71 lakh vehicles registered in Nagpur district before April 1, 2019, only around 21.6% are fitted with valid HSRPs. Among the three RTOs in the district, the Nagpur Rural RTO has recorded the highest compliance so far, with 1.20 lakh out of 5.62 lakh vehicles fitted with the new plates. Officials expressed concern over the widespread disregard for the regulation and indicated that there will be strict enforcement of the order after June 16. Vehicle owners who fail to comply risk not just monetary penalties but also being barred from essential vehicle-related services.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New aggregator cab policy rolls out Jun 2, says transport chief
Mumbai: The new aggregator cab policy will be rolled out from Jun 2 after which cab operators will get maximum two months to apply for a new licence, state transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar said. Once licence is granted, they must modify the mobile app — to impose penalties on drivers cancelling rides and restricting surge pricing etc. Directives in the policy include penalties imposed on drivers cancelling rides, and restricting surge pricing. Uber and Ola officials were unavailable for comment. The new policy, which also received a cabinet nod recently, states, "To discourage unnecessary trip cancellations and ensure a smooth experience for stakeholders, penalties should be imposed on both drivers and passengers for cancellations. If a driver cancels a booking after accepting it on the app, a penalty of 10% of total fare or Rs 100, whichever is lower, will be imposed and credited to the customer's account. If a passenger cancels a trip without valid reason after booking it on the app, a penalty of 5% of total fare or Rs 50, whichever is lower, will be imposed and credited to the driver's account." The policy also defines fares and distances, with limits set for higher- and lower-end fares. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descubra o suplemento natural que está transformando rotinas AlwaysFit Undo The govt resolution mentions: "The rates set by the regional transport authority for auto-rickshaws/cabs will be the base rates. To prevent unfair competition for metered taxis, the discount rate during low-demand periods should be limited to 25% of the fare. During high-demand periods, the rate should not exceed 1.5 times the base rate. The minimum trip distance should be 3 km. The drivers should receive at least 80% of the total fare." The resolution also states: "A mechanism should be in place for prompt resolution of issues faced by passengers and drivers. The aggregator must have an app/website that meets safety standards for app-based vehicles... Services should be operated through this app/website. Real-time GPS tracking of vehicles, emergency contact numbers, and driver background checks should be conducted." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New aggregator cab policy to kick in June with curbs on surge pricing
The new aggregator cab policy will be rolled out from June 2, after which cab operators will get maximum two months to apply for a new licence, state transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar said. Once licence is granted, they must modify the mobile app - to impose penalties on drivers cancelling rides and restricting surge pricing etc. Directives in the policy include penalties imposed on drivers cancelling rides, and restricting surge pricing. Uber and Ola officials were unavailable for comment. The new policy, which also received a cabinet nod recently, states, "To discourage unnecessary trip cancellations and ensure a smooth experience for stakeholders, penalties should be imposed on both drivers and passengers for cancellations. If a driver cancels a booking after accepting it on the app, a penalty of 10 per cent of total fare or Rs 100, whichever is lower, will be imposed and credited to the customer's account. If a passenger cancels a trip without valid reason after booking it on the app, a penalty of 5 per cent of total fare or Rs 50, whichever is lower, will be imposed and credited to the driver's account." The policy also defines fares and distances, with limits set for higher- and lower-end fares. The govt resolution mentions: "The rates set by the regional transport authority for auto-rickshaws/cabs will be the base rates. To prevent unfair competition for metered taxis, the discount rate during low-demand periods should be limited to 25 per cent of the fare. During high-demand periods, the rate should not exceed 1.5 times the base rate. The minimum trip distance should be 3 km. The drivers should receive at least 80 per cent of the total fare." The resolution also states: "A mechanism should be in place for prompt resolution of issues faced by passengers and drivers. The aggregator must have an app/website that meets safety standards for app-based vehicles... Services should be operated through this app/website. Real-time GPS tracking of vehicles, emergency contact numbers, and driver background checks should be conducted."
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Bike taxis to hit Mumbai roads from month-end
The bike taxis are likely to hit Mumbai roads from month-end, said state transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar this week. While the bike taxi policy has been released in the form of a Government Resolution (GR), the state transport department is in the process of receiving applications from aggregator firms and groups interested in coming together to avail of the new bike taxi scheme. 'We will ensure that complete police verification and background checks are done of people planning to run bike taxis in Mumbai region,' Bhimanwar said. Bike taxi scheme also encourages more women to come forward and operate two wheelers. Such bikes will be beneficial to women riders booking such taxis over the app. 'Over time, the percentage of female drivers should gradually increase to 50per cent,' the bike taxi policy states. To ensure the safety of female passengers, a partition must be installed between the passenger and the driver in all bike-taxis, Bhimanwar added. The bike taxi scheme has also received cabinet approval on April 1, and will be implemented for two wheeler taxi aggregator services in all cities across Maharashtra — cities with a population of at least 1 lakh. A joint transport commissioner said a single license will be issued by the state transport authority to eligible entities/operators with a minimum of 50 two-wheelers for bike-taxi permits. 'The validity of the bike-taxi permit will be 5 years and all two-wheelers under the aggregator must be 100per cent electric,' the official said. Under the Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, two-wheeler permits will be non-transferable. All bike-taxis must be painted in a specific colour with 'bike-taxi' written on them, and the service provider's name and contact number must be displayed. 'This will make such taxis different from the other two wheelers operated on the road,' the official said. Also, compliance with emission standards is mandatory. An official from the transport commissioner's office said the driver of bike taxis should already possess a valid license as per Section 3 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and a badge as per Rule 4 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. 'We will also ensure that the bike taxi riders follow proper traffic rules and ensure road safety of passengers and other motorists. If anybody is found flouting rules, the licence will be suspended and the bike taxi operator will have to undergo a compulsory refresher course in road safety,' the official said. As per the rules framed recently, the driver's age should not be less than 20 years and not more than 50 years. The driver should not drive for more than 8 hours a day. The service provider must provide training to all two-wheeler drivers and drivers must comply with traffic regulations under the Motor Vehicles Rules. The autorickshaw unions in the region are opposed to the bike taxis and plan to organise a protest outside all RTOs on May 21. Union leader Shashank Rao claimed it will lead to uncontrolled proliferation of two wheelers. Furthermore, it will also cause a substantial impact on the autorickshaw trade which provides short routes and feeder service from railway stations to housing colonies, he said. Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said, 'There have been cases of auto drivers refusing passengers for short distance trips, and if there is a single passenger, the latter can opt for e-bike taxis. Also, why should a single passenger pay fare for three persons travelling in auto or four in taxi. If there is an e-bike taxi, the fare is cheaper and affordable to the rider. Also, he or she can reach the destination quickly and with convenience.' He further said that the auto unions should rethink their decision to oppose e-bike taxis. Sarnaik has also urged Marathi youth across the state to come forward in large numbers and join the trade. 'The children of auto drivers, after turning 18, can join this profession and we will help them get permits and grants,' he said. He added that the move will provide self-employment to thousands of youths across the state, adding that there is a 'guaranteed' monthly pay of Rs 25,000.
