App-based cab service providers have been charging their customers at a rate significantly higher than that stipulated by the government. The Delhi High Court has passed an order to change the same.

As per the order, taxi operators cannot charge passengers rates beyond those stipulated by the government. The deadline for the switch has been set to August 22.

A 10-day period was granted to make the software changes, as requested by the Uber representatives.

Cab service providers will now have to adhere to rates fixed by the government in June 2013. The prescribed rate per kilometre for an economy radio taxi is Rs 12.50, for a non-AC black and yellow top taxi is Rs 14, and that for an AC black and yellow top taxi is Rs 16.

Earlier, the Radio Taxis were charging as high as Rs 23 per km, with additional night charge of 25% between 11 pm and 5 am. Keeping the high pricing in mind, the court acknowledged that service providers like Ola and Uber do reduce the pressure on public transport, yet a uniform pricing policy needed to be followed.

The court has directed a special committee to be set up by the Centre to look into issues related to existing permits given to taxis and cab aggregators, to also include one senior official each from the Ministry of Information Technology, Central Pollution Control Board and Delhi Traffic Police, and to obtain advice of a transport expert from NITI Aayog.

The Logical Indian hopes this decision will ensure a uniform transport charging system as stipulated by the government, making it more feasible and convenient for the travellers.