Regulation of Online Cab Aggregators Issues and Challenges

In the recent past, Indian taxi industry has undergone tremendous changes in the way they operate; there is transformation from traditional mode of operation to that of adapting changes from the globalized world. Online taxi booking is growing at a faster phase, though it is in the nascent stage and is successful in India. New age entrepreneurs have identified new opportunities in the fragmented industry by inventing new models clubbed with technology. The onset of online cab aggregators in the market has raised many issues, which seeks to be clarified by the government. No wonder, these online cab aggregators have been so far successful in implementing the “shared economy” model, however, in the absence of appropriate regulation, it is utmost important the factors that need to be kept in mind while drafting a proper framework. Reference can be taken from different jurisdictions; however, India needs to adopt a comprehensive set of rules exclusively applicable to online cab aggregators, since the very nature of service prvided is different from ordinary taxi service providers. In the wake of the Delhi Uber Rape Case of 2015, issues concerning different realms of law need to be dwelled upon in order to prevent abuse of the privileges enjoyed by these online cab aggregators due to the present decentralized regime. There is also requirement of sound and futuristic regulatory framework which would lead to better development of the cab hiring economy. Presently, there are no clear guidelines and therefore, the present study is an analysis that highlights the various lacunae and challenges in regulating the booming market.