Ola becomes first cab operator to get license from Karnataka, says Transport Department

Bengaluru,June 23: After a long tussle, the online taxi aggregator Ola on Wednesday, June 22, became the first cab operator to receive license by the State Transport Department under Karnataka On-Demand Transportation Technology Aggregators Rules 2016.

Ramegowda,State Transport Commissioner informed OneIndia, "We have provided license to Ola and from now onwards they are legalised cab operator in Karnataka. They can operate under the provided norms of state transport department."

Meanwhile, another taxi- aggregator Uber is yet to obtain the licence, as more details are required to fulfill the criteria for permission.

"Ola received license after registration and by providing all information of 100 vehicles to the transport department. By following the rule for rest of the fleet, Ola has to install digital meter, GPS in their all cabs as per the state transport norms," Ramegowda said.

Following are the rules to be followed by the cab operator:

• The applicant should have a minimum of either 100 taxis owned or in agreement with individual taxi permit holders.
• The applicant has to have a control room facility.
• The vehicle should have a display board inside the taxi with the driver's information.
• The vehicle should also be fitted with a 'tamper proof electronic digital fare meter' which is capable of generating a printed receipt to be given to passengers if fare cannot be informed through SMS or email.
• It should have a yellow coloured display board with the word "Taxi" visible from both the front and the rear and can be illuminated at night.
• Driver should be a resident of Karnataka for a minimum of 5 years.
• He should have a working knowledge of Kannada and any other language, preferably English.

OneIndia News