After Bike Taxi, Maharashtra Legalises Private Carpooling via Registered Apps to Promote Shared Mobility
After Bike Taxi, Maharashtra Legalises Private Carpooling via Registered Apps to Promote Shared Mobility
Mumbai: After greenlighting bike pooling, the Maharashtra government has now officially legalised private carpooling through registered mobile apps and web platforms. This landmark decision, taken in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, is part of a broader initiative to ease traffic congestion, lower pollution, and promote efficient vehicle use across the state.
The move aligns with the Union government’s Aggregator Policy 2020, which allows pooling of non-transport vehicles such as private cars and two-wheelers, leaving the implementation to individual states. With this step, Maharashtra joins the few states that have formally embraced regulated carpooling.
Carpooling allows individuals traveling on similar routes to share a private vehicle, offering savings on fuel, reduced commuting costs, and lower carbon emissions. While the idea has been discussed for over two decades, Maharashtra had until now refrained from formalising such services. Despite this, several platforms have been offering carpooling services informally, especially on busy corridors like Mumbai–Pune, often bypassing regulatory scrutiny.
Under the new policy, only apps or websites registered with the state’s transport department can operate carpooling services. Strict guidelines have been introduced to ensure safety and transparency. Female users will have the option to choose female drivers, and aggregators must verify the identity and contact details of both drivers and passengers. All users and drivers must have valid insurance coverage.
Each driver will be allowed a maximum of 14 pooling trips per week. Fare structures will be regulated by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and will not exceed comparable cab rates, factoring in fuel costs, tolls, insurance, and operational expenses.
Drivers will also be required to declare trip origins and destinations, while users must submit their home and office addresses to ensure accountability. Aggregators will need to maintain publicly accessible contact and service information.
While the policy is expected to help daily commuters and contribute to a greener transport system, it could face resistance from taxi and auto-rickshaw unions, who may view it as a threat to their earnings.
