The Scheme has been proposed under pressure by certain parties having vested interests – as a measure to counter the rapidly increasing adoption of on-demand transportation platforms that have proven to be a more efficient, affordable and convenient option over traditional fleet/ radio taxis. This Scheme for all intents and purposes, erroneously assumes fleet/ radio taxis, black and yellow taxis and vehicles on on-demand technology platforms to be a part of the same category of commercial vehicles.
If this scheme is passed, it is going to change the way you, the rider, can Uber.
Under this proposed Scheme, a few of the many clauses that have a negative impact on consumer choice and freedom, include:
A cap on the number of vehicles that can register on the platform – resulting in reduced availability, longer ETAs and higher fares for Mumbaikars.
Government controlled, artificially inflated fares designed to protect the incumbent taxi industry – compelling consumers to pay a premium, far more than is necessary, for access to a safe, efficient and convenient transportation option.
The draft City Taxi Scheme also requires vehicle owners – the driver-partners, to comply with tedious and outdated requirements, like the installation of physical panic buttons in vehicles, physical meters, rooftop indicators and printed receipts, when there are more modern and convenient technologies available. We have proposed more efficient solutions to long standing problems.
