Uber must be under legal framework

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has welcomed the on-demand smart phone-based transport service Uber but said it needs to follow legal framework and systematic procedures to run the service.

“In transport sector, we welcome any kind of modern and smart system … But our statement is that any kind of digital service must come under a system and a legal framework,” he told reporters at a programme in the capital yesterday.

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His remarks came a day after Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) declared Uber illegal, saying the company did not take permission from the government for running the service in the country.

In a circular, the BRTA said operating any taxicab service without permission from the government was illegal and a punishable offence.

Hours after the minister's remarks, BRTA on its official Facebook page further explained its stance saying it had issued the circular to clarify the rules and regulations for operating taxicab services.

According to BRTA rules, separate registrations are given to commercial vehicles. Besides, those vehicles must obtain route permits, which is not applicable to private vehicles. But it is not clear whether the vehicles operating under Uber have got commercial vehicle registration or route permits, said the Facebook post.

Besides, vehicles running under this service must submit necessary information to BRTA, or else it would not be possible to take timely steps if any untoward incident occurs during its service, the post added.

It said the government approved two companies to operate taxicab service in Dhaka city and it would not have any objection if the taxicabs of the two companies operate using Uber.

Uber was gaining popularity among city commuters after its official launching on Tuesday. It is an online platform that connects people to facilitate transportation through a mobile application.

The biggest advantage of Uber is it does not own any cars. It acts like a middleman between customers and cab drivers. It has made the task of booking a cab easier. Any car owner can become drivers after getting registered with Uber with valid documents, national identity card and a photograph.

The service of the US-based firm can come as a relief for many in Dhaka where commuters suffer every day due to lack of transport. And Uber came when the existing taxi services failed to gain popularity due to unavailability and high fare.

On the other hand, Uber cars will be available and cheaper than the existing usual taxis, said a source at Uber.