Hyderabad: The Regional Transport Authority seized four two-wheelers of app-based cab aggregators as their riders did not have a commercial driving licence, on Friday.
Any driver running a taxi should have a transport category licence, and this includes two-wheelers. RTA officials have recieved complaints that cab aggregators are employing two-wheeler taxis without the riders having such a licence.
A commercial light motor vehicle licence includes permission to drive a two-wheeler, car or jeep for commercial purposes. This has to be renewed every three years unlike regular driving licence which has a longer validity. For renewal, medical tests such as eye check up of the drivers are carried out as well. Besides, public transport vehicles should have yellow number plates.
Joint transport Commissioner (IT wing) C. Ramesh said, “Uber allows hiring two-wheelers under the name Uber Moto through the app. These riders must have a transport category licence.”
Mr Ramesh said the RTA had seized four two-wheeler taxis this week because the riders did not have a commercial driving licence. The penalty for the offence is Rs 1,000. He said the city had agencies which provide two-wheelers as taxis. He said notices had been served on such firms and cab aggregators to strictly follow the norms while employing two-wheeler taxis.
Joint transport commissioenr K. Panduranga Naik said, “The government gve permission for two-wheeler taxis last year, but the riders should have a valid commercial driving licence and yellow number plates.” Cab aggregators, were not available for comment.
