Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. Women booking cab rides through platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido will soon be able to choose a same-gender driver directly from the app. The central government has issued revised Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, aimed at improving passenger safety, with a special focus on women travellers. Along with the gender choice option, passengers will also be allowed to tip drivers after completing their trips, with the full amount going directly to the driver. States have been asked to adopt and implement these revised rules.

Safety Focus Drives Policy Changes

The government has said the key objective of the new guidelines is to enhance passenger safety and comfort. For women passengers, the option to select a female driver is expected to provide a greater sense of security, especially during late-night or solo travel. The changes have been introduced through amendments to the Motor Vehicle Aggregators Guidelines, which regulate app-based cab services across the country. While the rules have been notified, their actual rollout will depend on how quickly state governments integrate them into their licensing systems.

When Same-Gender Driver Rule Applies

The notification does not mention a specific date from which the new rules will come into force. As a result, the guidelines are being treated as effective from the date of their issue. When the original aggregator guidelines were released in July 2025, states were given three months to adopt them. A similar window may be provided for these amendments as well, though no fixed timeline has been officially announced so far. This leaves some uncertainty around when passengers will see the changes reflected on cab apps.

How Cab Apps Must Implement Rules

Since the guidelines are issued by the central government, state governments will incorporate them into their licensing and regulatory frameworks. Cab aggregators will be required to update their apps to comply with the new norms, including adding a same-gender driver selection feature under the relevant clauses. Key points include:

• Apps must include a gender choice option for passengers
• Companies must comply to retain or renew operating licences
• Failure to comply could lead to licence suspension or cancellation

In practical terms, companies may need some time to make technical changes, but compliance has been made mandatory.

Low Number of Women Drivers a Concern

Industry experts have raised concerns about the practical challenges of implementing the policy. According to officials associated with cab aggregator platforms, women currently make up less than 5 percent of total cab drivers in the country. This could affect the on-demand nature of cab services. Experts warn that limited availability of female drivers may lead to longer waiting times, especially late at night when demand is high and driver supply is low. Ola, Uber and Rapido have so far declined to comment on the new guidelines.

Clear Rules on Tipping Drivers

The government has also brought clarity and transparency to tipping practices on cab platforms. Passengers will be allowed to tip drivers voluntarily, but only after the trip is completed. The rules clearly state:

• Tipping option will appear only after the ride ends
• Cab companies cannot deduct any commission from tips
• No misleading or manipulative methods can be used to push tipping

These provisions aim to protect both drivers and passengers, and ensure that tips remain a genuine reward for service rather than a pressured payment.