Ola, Uber yet to renew licence, drivers in a spot

By Nischith N. | NT

Bengaluru: Cab drivers of ridehailing companies Ola and Uber across the Bengaluru city may face police harassment, as both the companies have failed to renew their licence to operate the service.

According to the Driver’s Association, several cab drivers have been asked to pay fines and their vehicles were confiscated.

Transport Department officials claim that Ola’s licence to operate as an app-based taxi aggregator in the city expired in June, last year while Uber’s licence expired in December 2021. While both companies have applied for a licence renewal, the state transport department told News Trail that their licences are yet to be renewed.

Hemantha Kumara, Additional Commissioner, Transport Department told News Trail, “Their licences have not been renewed and we have also issued the notice to the aggregators to stop the operation as their licences have been lapsed. But the action against them has not been taken till now because we have been directed by the High Court of Karnataka not to do so.”

Karnataka High Court had recently told the state government not to take any action, as immediate implementation may create inconvenience to both aggregators and the commuters.

“The licences are not renewed and we drivers are facing the problem. The transport department should intervene,” said Tanveer Pasha, President, Ola, Taxiforsure and Uber Drivers and Owners Association.