Ola, Rapido bike taxis get green flag: Delhi govt approves Motor Vehicle Aggregator Scheme 2023

In February this year, the Delhi Transport department banned bike taxis from plying in the State, which affected leading taxi aggregators like Uber, Ola and Rapido. However, the new Motor Vehicle Aggregator Scheme 2023 has now been approved by the Delhi government, offering respite to app-based cab aggregators by granting bike taxis a legal status, but there's a catch.
The scheme ensures that all bike taxis and two-wheeler renting services in Delhi shall only be via electric two-wheelers. These provisions are in line with the Delhi EV Policy 2020, as per an official statement. In a bid to regulate cab aggregators as well as delivery service providers in the State, a draft of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Scheme 2023 has been sent to the Delhi's Lieutenant Governor. The draft will then be put up for public feedback and comments by the Transport Department, after which it will be given its final shape.
The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Scheme 2023 will be applicable to any person or entity that operates, on-boards, or manages a fleet of motor vehicles through digital or electronic means or any other means to ferry passengers or connect a driver offering to deliver or pick up a product, courier, package, or parcel to connect with a seller, e-commerce entity, or consignor.

The scheme not only aims to ensure passenger safety during trips and service quality of cab aggregators, but will also promote the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). As per the scheme, it will be mandatory for aggregators to install a panic button and integration with 112 (Delhi Police) for emergencies. The scheme also includes a mechanism to ensure timely consumer grievance redressal by service providers, enforcement of vehicle fitness, pollution control, and validity of permits. It also provides for driver remedial training in instances where the driver’s performance is poor.
Moreover, the scheme provides for phased mandates for fleet operators to transition their fleet from conventional vehicles to EVs. It should be noted that these mandates only apply to an incremental percentage of new on-boarded vehicles over a period of four years. For example, 5% of new onboarded cars need to be electric in the first six months of the scheme.

The policy further mandates that after four years from its notification, all new commercial two-wheelers and three-wheelers will need to be electric. Similarly, after five years from its notification, all new commercial four-wheelers need to be EVs. The Aggregator and Delivery service provider shall also be mandated switch to an all electric fleet by April 1, 2030.
What do you think about the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Scheme 2023? Let us know your views in the comments down below.