The plot only thickens between the transport minister of Maharashtra and ridesharing apps like Rapido now that he wants to file cases against them. Quite shocking! Here’s the news.
The story of Pratap Sarnaik
This transport minister has already appeared in a previous report here on the Ridesharing Forum website. It seems that Minister Pratap Sarnaik has a love-hate relationship with platforms like Rapido.
First, he lambasted the app for not fulfilling the right services for him, tagging them “illegal” because of his “unpleasant experience” with them.
However, eventually, later on, he tapped on Rapido to sponsor the Pro-Govinda League, a Dahi Handi competition that the minister’s son, Purvesh, has organized in Mumbai this year.
This time, the tables have turned, once more.
Sue Rapido!
On Wednesday, Minister Sarnaik vehemently directed the transport department to file cases or sue the ridesharing companies Rapido, which is based in India, together with Uber India.
Ridesharing media reported that this directive was issued as there have been instances wherein the lives of the passengers were put at risk due to “the illegal operations of transport services, such as bike taxis in violation of government regulation.”
The minister further accused the companies of operating without mandatory yellow number plate, using electricity as fuel, and with riders and pillions not wearing helmets. There were two cases filed, each for those apps. Was the event of his son not successful which is why he is targeting the sponsor?
“The goverment has recently announced an eBike policy. Accordingly, several app-based bike taxi companies have started operations. However, they are providing passenger services through private or regular bikes by appointing drivers without giving them any training regarding regulations and passenger safety,” the minister stated.
He further went on saying this is “dangerous,” allegedly recounting an incident wherein a passenger passed away while traveling with one of those apps. He did not specify whether it was Uber or Rapido.
“While this incident is still fresh, the app-based bike taxi companies are conducting illegal business by trampling on government regulations. Several such complaints were made to the transport ministry,” he stated.
Particularly, the minister wants parties to file hefty cases against those companies, saying that the way they do business “will not work in Maharashtra.”
The plot thickens. Will Uber, the world’s top ridesharing platform, be swayed by those cases? Share your thoughts by signing up for your account on the Ridesharing Forum today.