Ola to restrict ride-share availability at night in India

The ride-sharing platform, Ola has announced that it will be restricting rides between 23:00 and 06:00 in certain Indian cities in a bid to increase passenger safety and over concerns with drivers’ earnings. Reports have suggested that this restriction, capping drivers working hours, will make it harder for driver partners to take advantage of the incentives on offer to drivers. 

Ride-sharing apps in India have helped to contribute to the reduction in congestion and clean up the air quality in the country. 

Ola first reviewed this additional feature of the app, in Chennai two weeks prior to the announcement made in Bengaluru. News reports have suggested the plan will be set in action across additional cities in a phased manner, with suggestions that the measures will be added it other metropolitan areas such as Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata. 

A spokesperson for Ola, told Entrackr: “Ola Share is a popular choice for commuters during regular hours (from) 06:00 to 23:00. By matching users who are looking to ride on similar routes, Ola Share optimises fares for customers and capacities for driver partners. Customers can continue to choose from a variety of mobility options from 23:00 to 06:00 on the Ola platform.”

The Ola source, added: “They were getting half the fare most of the times. A major factor behind the decision was the safety of passengers. There were complaints that drunken passengers created a nuisance for others sharing the cab.”