Maharashtra Government Legalises Carpooling in Private Vehicles
The Maharashtra cabinet has officially approved carpooling in private vehicles via registered mobile apps, a significant move that follows closely after the legalisation of bike pooling in the state.
- This policy shift aims to reduce urban congestion and lower vehicular pollution, aligning with broader environmental and urban mobility goals.
- The decision also brings legal clarity to a practice that has long existed in a grey area, operating without clear regulatory oversight.
In Sync with Central Aggregator Policy
The approval comes under the framework of the Union government’s Aggregator Policy 2020, which permits the pooling of non-transport vehicles, including private cars and two-wheelers.
- While the central policy provides a guideline, individual states like Maharashtra have the power to enforce, restrict, or expand its application.
- The core objective of the Aggregator Policy is to improve asset utilisation, cut emissions, and manage traffic congestion more effectively.
Dual Strategy: Bike Pooling and Carpooling
The cabinet’s twin approvals of bike and car pooling, made within weeks of each other, indicate a strong governmental push towards shared mobility solutions.
- However, these decisions are expected to face backlash from traditional transport providers like taxi and autorickshaw drivers who may see these alternatives as direct competition.
- This shift could reshape urban commuting patterns, especially in high-density corridors like Mumbai-Pune.
Legalisation After Long Debate
Although carpooling has been discussed for over two decades, it remained unauthorised in Maharashtra until now.
- In recent years, unregistered apps had started offering carpooling services illegally on popular routes, often without scrutiny from Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) or police.
- The absence of regulations led to safety concerns, particularly for female passengers and commuters in remote areas.
New Guidelines and Safety Measures
As per the cabinet’s directive, carpooling will now be allowed only via registered platforms, ensuring monitoring and accountability.
- The government has mandated that platforms must offer an option for female passengers to select female drivers, a step to improve women’s safety during commutes.
- These apps will also be subject to licensing and compliance checks, improving overall regulatory oversight of shared mobility.
