Guidelines on carpooling in 10 days, promises minister Ramalinga Reddy

BENGALURU: After a controversy broke out over the state government’s plan to impose hefty penalties on unauthorised carpooling operators, the Transport Department is planning to come out with certain guidelines.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy told Public TV that the guidelines of carpooling will be released within in the next 10 days. Carpooling app QuickRide has already written to him to issue guidelines based on international standards, he added.

Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy said app-based carpooling operators should obtain permit from the Transport Department.

Ramalinga Reddy had earlier clarified that there is no ban on carpooling, but added that app-based operators should obtain permits. On the other hand, private transporters are insisting that vehicles will yellow registration boards should not be allowed for carpooling or shared rides.

The carpooling guidelines are likely to include allowing only corporate companies may be allowed to carpool, making permits mandatory for carpooling, imposing penalties and cancelling driving licence if while board vehicles are used for carpooling, yellow board vehicles to strictly follow guidelines among others.