New Delhi: The Delhi government has announced the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Scheme 2023 to regulate cab aggregators and delivery operators in the state. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal approved the draft scheme on Wednesday. The draft scheme has now been sent to the Delhi LG. The draft will then be submitted to the public for feedback and comments by the Ministry of Transport, after which it will receive its final form.
While approving the scheme, CM Arvind Kejriwal said that the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Scheme 2023 will lay the foundation for the regulation of aggregators and delivery operators in Delhi. “This program prioritizes the safety of passengers and ensures timely redressal of complaints, while promoting the use of electric vehicles and reducing pollution in the city,” he said. The CM further explained that by switching to electric vehicles and promoting electric cycle taxis, the government will be able to reduce pollution levels in Delhi and create new opportunities for employment and economic growth.
The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Scheme 2023 applies to any person or organization that operates, boards or manages a fleet of vehicles by digital or electronic means or by any other means to carry passengers or connect a driver who offers to carry or pick up. a product, courier, parcel, or package that you can use to contact the seller, e-commerce organization, or shipper.
The aim of the program is to ensure the safety of passengers during journeys and the service quality of cab aggregators, as well as to promote the transition to electric vehicles. It makes it mandatory for aggregators to install a panic button and integrate 112 (Delhi Police) in case of emergency. The system also includes a mechanism that ensures timely redressal of consumer complaints by service providers, validation of vehicle suitability, environmental pollution control and validity of permits. It also provides remedial driver training in cases where the driver’s performance is poor.
The system is also considered a historic first in the country, where the state government introduces the mandatory transition of commercial vehicles from conventional vehicles to electric vehicles. The scheme provides for a phased authorization for fleet operators to convert their fleets from conventional vehicles to electric vehicles. These powers will only apply to an increasing percentage of new vehicles on board over four years to avoid knee-jerk reactions to existing livelihoods. For example, 5% of new onboard cars must be electric within the first 6 months of the scheme. The regulations further stipulate that after 4 years from the date of notification, all new commercial two-wheelers and three-wheelers must be electric vehicles. Similarly, after 5 years from notification, all new commercial four-wheelers must be electric vehicles. The Aggregation and Delivery service provider is also obliged to switch to an all-electric vehicle fleet by April 1, 2030.
The system also lays the foundations for the regulation of bicycle taxis and bicycle rental services. As Delhi has never allowed cycle taxis to operate in the city, the scheme mandates that such services be regulated in the city. As a new business opportunity, the program ensures that all bicycle taxi3 and two-wheel rental services in the city are provided exclusively through electric two-wheelers. These provisions are in line with the Delhi EV Policy 2020.
The additional system follows the “polluter pays” principle. As a result, the license fee per vehicle for conventional vehicles will be significantly higher than for electric vehicles. For example, the license fee for an electric taxi may be zero, but the license fee for a CNG taxi is Rs.650. Second, all license fees and penalties included in the system are also credited to the State EV Fund, which in turn supports all electric vehicle promotion activities.
Speaking about the draft, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said that Delhi has achieved another milestone with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator system. “This is the first time in India that a state has set targets for the aggregator to electrify their fleets and regulate such operators in the city to ensure passenger safety and reduce pollution through sustainable public transport in the city. We have introduced the polluter pays principle, according to which the entry of any electric vehicle is accompanied by a zero license fee. The system also lays the foundations for the regulation of bicycle taxis (two-wheeled transport services) and bicycle rental services. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi government is committed to creating a sustainable and environment-friendly transport system for its citizens,” he added.
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