Government Sets Fare Caps and Safety Standards for Digital Transport Services

Kathmandu. The government has introduced the ‘Digital Mobility Service Operation Standards, 2082’ to regulate ride-sharing and ride-hailing services operating through digital platforms. Aiming to make the service safe, transparent, and reliable, the new standards clearly regulate the relationship between service providers, drivers, and passengers.

According to the standards, service providers must now mandatorily obtain permission from the Department of Transport Management and be registered in the central system to operate digital mobility services. Provisions have been made to ensure all transactions are transparent, as booking, payment, and tracking will be handled through the app.

The government has also set limits on fare rates. The fare has been fixed at a maximum of 55 rupees per kilometer for four-wheelers and up to 25 rupees for two-wheelers. A provision has been included allowing fares to fluctuate by up to 20 percent based on demand and supply.

Prioritizing safety, tracking, emergency buttons, and insurance have been made mandatory for every vehicle. While clear criteria regarding age, experience, health, and conduct have been set for drivers, it is mentioned that a ‘zero tolerance’ policy will be adopted for the safety of both passengers and drivers.

Similarly, an arrangement has been made to deposit one percent of the amount collected from every trip into an ‘Accident Fund,’ which will be used to provide compensation to the injured or the families of the deceased in accidents. Through these standards, the government expects to bring uniformity to digital transport services, organize the tax system, and strengthen passenger safety.