Since long, cab-hailing app users demanded some strict action for those drivers, who canceled their rides for any reason.
We had reported in November, that Govt. can bring in some amendments in the Motor Vehicles Act, for imposing penalty for such canceled rides.
But as per a provision of Motor Vehicles Act, 1978, commercial taxis and autos cannot refuse a ride, and if they do, then they can be asked to pay a penalty.
Hyderabad city police have now started implementing this rule, and the offenders have been slapped with a penalty for refusing a ride.
Ola, Uber Drivers Slapped With Penalty For Refusing Rides
This week, Cyberabad traffic police imposed penalties on Uber and Ola drivers, for canceling the rides of passengers.
Over 20 such Ola and Uber drivers were fined upto Rs 500 for cancelling their rides, and refusing a ride.
In one such case, a Ola Bike rider was penalized Rs 500, as he refused a ride from CBI Colony in Jubilee Hills to Mindspace in Madhapur.
No Driver Can Refuse A Ride
Cyberabad police has tweeted that as per Section 178 of Motor Vehicles Act, no Ola or Uber or auto driver can refuse a ride, and if a ride is refused, then they are liable to pay penalty.
In the tweet (by @CYBTRAFFIC) , they also shared a Whatsapp number, and asked all citizens to report such cases to them.
The tweet stated: “Public can raise a complaint to traffic police if any cab/auto driver cancels ride. People can file a complaint to traffic police on WhatsApp number 9490617346 with vehicle number, date and time, location and a screenshot of the rejection.”
Cyberabad deputy commissioner of police (Traffic) Vijay Kumar has also warned Ola and Uber company officials about this practice by drivers to refuse rides.
In the official communication, it has been clearly stated that drivers should not refuse a ride, and if they do, appropriate action will be taken.
We will keep you updated, as more details come in.