Uber and Ola Seek Aggregator License in Maharashtra
- ByStartupStory | March 11, 2023
On Friday, an official from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) disclosed that ride-hailing service providers Ola and Uber have submitted applications for aggregator licences to the Maharashtra government. To comply with sets of guidelines established by the Centre and the Maharashtra government, app-based companies like these must acquire a licence. Without a licence, the government lacks the ability to effectively address any infringements committed by these operators, but obtaining one would alter this circumstance.
Following a Supreme Court directive, ride-hailing service companies have sought aggregator licences from the Tardeo RTO in Mumbai, which governs the entire island city, according to an official. The Tardeo RTO’s regional transport officer, Bharat Kalaskar, confirmed that Ola and Uber submitted their applications for aggregator licences roughly three to four days ago. This move was taken to comply with the guidelines set forth by the Supreme Court and the Maharashtra government.
The applications submitted by Ola and Uber for aggregator licences are currently being reviewed and will be presented to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) for a final verdict, according to an official. The scrutinization process is being conducted to adhere to the guidelines established by the Maharashtra government and the Supreme Court. While Ola refrained from commenting on their application when approached by PTI, an Uber representative verified that the company submitted their application at the RTO.
An Uber spokesperson confirmed that the company submitted their application for an aggregator licence before the deadline set by the Supreme Court. The apex court had directed Uber India to obtain a valid licence from the Maharashtra government by March 6 in order to continue their operations within the state. The court also granted a two-week period to the state government to review and make a decision on Uber’s application in accordance with the guidelines established by the court and the Maharashtra government.
The Supreme Court has instructed the state government to promptly develop a suitable policy for aggregators based on the central government’s guidelines. In the meantime, the Central Rules (Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020) will remain in effect until the state government issues or finalizes its draft regulations.
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