Patna : The Bihar Transport Department has issued show-cause notices to app-based cab operators Ola and Uber, directing them to submit compliance reports by October 30, 2026, and warning that failure to follow prescribed rules could lead to licence cancellation.
The department has also instructed Rapido and Sawari Mithila to comply with eight requirements aimed at improving passenger safety, driver support, fare transparency and the regulation of app-based cab and bike-taxi services.
Transport Department Secretary Raj Kumar reviewed compliance with earlier directions at a meeting with company representatives on Friday. He reiterated that the companies must implement the instructions within the prescribed timeframe, according to a report.
Hindi And English Chatbots, Driver Call Support Required
The department has directed aggregator companies to provide chatbot facilities in both Hindi and English through their mobile applications. The provision is intended to make service information more accessible to Hindi-speaking passengers and drivers.
Companies must also introduce call-support facilities to address drivers’ complaints and operational problems. In addition, they have been instructed to establish local offices in Bihar to strengthen coordination and address service-related issues within the state.
Transparency In Cancellation And Night Charges
The Transport Department has reviewed provisions governing ride-cancellation fees and additional charges applicable at night. Companies have been directed to clearly communicate these charges to passengers and follow the applicable rules.
The department has also ordered companies to increase the display duration of messages in their broadcasting systems from two seconds to 10 seconds, giving users more time to read and understand the information.
The measures are intended to improve transparency around fares and other conditions associated with app-based rides.
Private Vehicles And Driver ID Suspensions Under Scrutiny
Under the new directions, aggregators may onboard only commercial vehicles that meet the prescribed standards. The instruction restricts the use of private vehicles that do not qualify under the applicable requirements.
Companies must also prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) for suspending driver IDs. The process must follow the principles of natural justice, ensuring that decisions affecting drivers are handled through a fair procedure.
The department has separately directed companies to arrange parking facilities for aggregator vehicles at airports.
Ambulance Services Through Aggregator Platforms
The department has also asked aggregator companies to submit a report within one week on expanding ambulance services through their platforms.
The proposal is intended to extend access to ambulance services through digital platforms. Further details on implementation were not specified in the report.
Department To Verify Compliance
State Transport Commissioner Arif Ahsan said the department would monitor the companies’ services and verify whether they had complied with the directions.
Ola and Uber have been asked to submit their compliance reports by October 30. The department has warned that failure to meet the prescribed requirements could invite further action, including licence cancellation.
The directions mark a regulatory push to strengthen oversight of app-based transport services in Bihar, with a focus on passenger protection, driver support and clearer operating standards.
