Tourist cab operators can't offer app-based service

BENGALURU: The transport department on Tuesday asked the All India Tourist permit cabs not to offer app-based ride hailing services within the city . The department, however, said they must apply and can get the necessary license if they wish to offer ride hailing service.

The department has been issuing two types of permits --one set under Section 74 and 88(8) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and another under Section 88 (9) of the same Act. While the cabs with the first set of permits can operate, those under the latter section cannot offer intra-city service.

These vehicles, a department press release said, can carry only tourists, and not pick up passengers from one place and drop at another within the city . The department's stand followed the recent judgment of the High Court which has partly upheld the April 2 regulations governing the operation of app-based cab aggregators.

The department also said if any vehicle is found unauthorisedly offering ride-hailing service, it will go against the High Court judgement and invite contempt action. If they wish to switch to the ride-hailing service, they have to apply for cancellation of the existing permit, and apply for a new one under the April 2 regulations.