After reports that the Delhi government was once again considering a proposal to ban shared cab rides, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said cab sharing was a “good idea” but the security of passengers, particularly women, was a concern.
The Hindu had reported on Wednesday that the government was contemplating banning the sharing of cabs, something which it had earlier put off. Now, the government is once again looking at the proposal as it is formulating its City Taxi Scheme 2017, which will be the regulatory framework for cab services in Delhi.
On Thursday, Mr. Kejriwal said in a tweet: “I agree that ride sharing is a good idea. This is being discussed within the govt. Our concern is women safety. Sharing a ride wid strangers may not be safe for women [sic].”
According to sources in the government, opinion on allowing ride sharing is split as the existing laws do not allow it.
Cabs operate with the contract carriage permits, which under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, allows passengers to be picked up from one point to another, without stopping to pick up or drop passengers. The Act would have to be amended by the Centre to allow ride sharing of cabs.
