Mumbai: Maharashtra Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik has ordered a crackdown of aggregator bus services like Uber Shuttle and Cityflo for functioning without the necessary licenses needed from the state government.
The minister further mentioned that there would be strict actions taken against the bus companies as well as the state will also target senior RTO officials for their failure to act against illegal bike taxis and aggregator buses. Sarnaik mentioned that even though RTO officials have sent notices to the bus aggregators, they need to carry out raids and penalize offenders to stop illegal activities.
Reports indicate that Uber Shuttle services could face interruptions starting Friday. Regular users of the facility fear that the feature on Uber app might be removed by Saturday.
At present, more than 450 buses function through Uber Shuttle, Cityflo, and various other private companies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). A Cityflo spokesperson stated that they had sought a license in the past and are keen to collaborate with the government for compliance purposes.
A high-ranking Uber executive mentioned that Uber Shuttle has obtained permits in Delhi and Kolkata and is running a pilot program in Mumbai to evaluate user requirements and its connection with current transport systems according to report by Times of India.
Harsh Kotak of Mumbai Bus Malak Sanghatana condemned the emphasis on Uber Shuttle, highlighting that other app-based services need examination, as a number of his buses will stop operating due to the enforcement action.
Another bus operator highlighted the possible challenges for office workers depending on shuttle services, particularly due to the restricted availability of AC BEST buses on extended routes. Sarnaik, who earlier apprehended a bike taxi running unlawfully, intends to collaborate with RTO officials in implementing licensing rules to guarantee adherence among all operator services in Mumbai.
Mumbaikars React
Some travelers are frustrated that these services operated widely while the government did nothing to address them, while others are not willing to let these services shut. Many commuters have come forward in support of these services and stated how they are helpful and convenient for daily commuters to different areas in the city, especially those who travel from suburbs to city for work.
