Ola, Uber to start hiring drivers without yellow badge

Taking a cue from the Union government’s circular, cab aggregators Ola and Uber have invited those without yellow badges to drive cabs.

In April, following a Supreme Court order, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a circular, stating that transport licence (yellow badge) was not necessary to drive light motor vehicles, which include cars that weigh less than 7,500 kg.

Ola (ANI Technologies Pvt Ltd) sought to boost its leasing programme, where drivers take a vehicle for an upfront amount and pay the rest in instalments. Social media was abuzz with advertisements that asked people interested in working with Ola to give a missed call to a number. “White board/private licence Indians can also drive Ola Leasing Cars now. Yellow badge not required…,” the message read.

A spokesperson for Ola confirmed the event and said the aggregator was onboarding drivers with private licences in compliance with Supreme Court directions and the circular issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Uber has also revised requirements for attaching drivers. A spokesperson said the Supreme Court order and the circular from the transport ministry were encouraging. “Progressive regulations that incentivise shared mobility and help simplify rules and processes for the common man can go a long way in moving our cities forward,” she said.

‘No decision yet’

The transport department, however, is yet to issue a circular in accordance with the central rule to allow people with a licence to drive private vehicles to operate taxis. Sources said they have received a proposal to amend the Karnataka Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. "The proposal has to be vetted by the legal department, following which the transport minister must approve it,” the source said.