Ola, Uber face congestion fee

Your fare for a ride in Olas and Ubers around the national capital territory (NCT) of Delhi is likely to go up as the government plans to levy 2.5% congestion fee on non–electric vehicles used by the ride-hailing aggregator companies. 

The taxes collected will be used to fund the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as the state looks to have 25% of all the newly registered vehicles to be battery based in next five years.

According to industry insiders, the move seems significant as fleet operators and aggregators are likely to be early adopters of  EVs before it trickles down to commercial vehicles and finally to passenger vehicle segment. 

The policy further provides for up to Rs 22,000 subsidy on purchase of e-two wheelers to ensure the cost of commuting comes close to petrol-driven two-wheelers. Electric two-wheeler taxis will be allowed to provide last mile connectivity. For e-cabs, it suggests a full waiver in registration and cash back of Rs 10 to commuters. 

Further, the government plans to open permit system for e-autos with subsidy up to Rs 12,500 and 5 % interest subvention to promote these vehicles. It also recommends a cash-back of Rs 10 to commuters using e-autos. For e-rickshaws, the policy recommends subsidy up to Rs 20,000.

ANTI POLLUTION DRIVE

Rs 22,000 – subsidy to be given for purchase of e-two wheelers 

Rs 20,000 – subsidy will be given for purchase of e-rickshaws