Udaipur Roads and Transport Office (RTO) initiated a raid on cabs that are empanelled in the Uber/Ola cab hailing network across Udaipur. The raid was planned after numerous complaints from passengers. The Complains ranged from misbehavior, extra charges, refusal to pick up passengers even after confirming bookings, among others.

In view of the complaints about Ola/Uber empanelled cab drivers, strict action was initiated by the Transport Department at Udaipur under the directions of State Transport Officer Prakash Singh Rathore. Two flying squads led by District Transport Office Kalpana Sharma conducted this decoy operation and intensive checking campaign.

As per the information given by the RTO Udaipur, over a long period of time, complaints were being received at RTO office Udaipur about indecent behavior of Ola/Uber drivers, charging extra fare and refusing to bring taxis even after bookings were done by passengers and at times even cancelling the bookings of customers.

Taking prompt action on the above complaints, the decoy teams led by Kalpana Sharma were instructed to conduct decoy operations on Dabok Road and PRatapnagar road and issue Challans to such cabs for violating Motor Vehicle Rules.

Both the teams made Challans against 52 taxi drivers. During checking, it was found that the vehicles were being operated by the drivers without vehicle fitness certificates, without insurance and without PUC. Road safety standards were also not being adhered to by these drivers. 125-150% additional fare was being charged. Several passengers complained of indecent behavior of the drivers. According to the rules, if a passenger makes a complaint against the driver of the vehicle, then the cab driver is supposed to be blacklisted. Till date no action has been taken by Ola/Uber against even a single driver, said the RTO.

In some instances, passengers have not paid the fares after the drivers charged extra fare. The passengers have raised their complaint with Ola and Uber, still no cognitive action has been taken by these companies. The Transport Department has taken a tough stand on all these complaints and this campaign will continue.

The Transport Department has confirmed that action will be taken against Ola and Uber.  According to the new provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a fine of Rs. One lakh along with cancellation of licenses will be among the actions taken against Ola and Uber.