JOIN USThe Transport department has served notice to Ola for violating the aggregator licence by offering “shuttle” service (in 10+2 seat capacity vehicles) in Bengaluru, an exclusive permit given to BMTC.
Inspectors from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) last month seized more than 10 vehicles attached to Ola.
“The vehicles had contract carriage permit and were providing service which is permitted only to BMTC. After inspection, we came to know that the cab aggregator was offering the service through the app,” said Joint Commissioner of Transport J Gnanendrakumar.
A number of vehicles with 10+2 seat capacity were seized at Manyata Tech Park, Jayanagar, Koramangala and Yeshwantpur. The senior official then recommended suspension of Ola for violating the aggregator rules.
“At present, cab aggregators are offering ride-sharing service, because it falls in a grey area. We are waiting for legal opinion in this regard. However, the shuttle service (with maxi cabs and Tempo Travellers) clearly violates the rules under the aggregator licence. We have served them a notice and given them 15 days to respond,” said additional commissioner for transport H G Kumar.
Kumar said Ola had shut down the “shuttle services” after the notice was issued. “We want the cab aggregators to follow the rules. They have permit to offer services in cabs with 4+1 seat capacity. They should not violate that rule,” he said.