The Transport Department in Bengaluru is cracking down on carpooling services facilitated by mobile apps like Quick Ride and BlaBlaCar. Carpoolers using these apps may incur substantial fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. This move comes in response to complaints from local taxi drivers.

According to the Transport Department, private vehicles displaying white registration plates, intended for commercial carpooling purposes, are illegal. Additionally, offenders could see their vehicle registration certificates suspended for six months, as disclosed by Additional Commissioner (Enforcement) Malikarjun C.

This action follows complaints from taxi drivers against carpooling apps that aggregate private vehicles for commercial use, a violation of regulations. A similar stance was adopted by the Maharashtra government earlier this year, which banned carpooling and bike-sharing apps employing non-transport vehicles.

These app-based car and bike aggregators, prevalent in Mumbai, typically offer carpooling and bike-sharing services, yet they often lack government approval for their pricing models and operations. The absence of control and monitoring on app-based operators and users of non-transport vehicles contributes to their illegality.

Carpooling has potential benefits for urban transportation but poses a challenge for traditional taxi drivers who require commercial licenses and permits. While these carpooling apps promote reduced pollution and sustainability, balancing the playing field with taxi drivers remains a concern.

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