KATHMANDU: The government has prepared a unified standard to regulate ride-sharing services across all seven provinces. The Department of Transport Management has drafted the “Digital Mobility Service Operation Standards 2082” to ensure safety, service quality, and proper vehicle management.
Currently, only Gandaki and Koshi provinces have not granted legal recognition to ride-sharing. Other provinces are in the process of drafting laws, but there is no uniformity. The move also follows a Supreme Court order in January 2024, directing the government to introduce proper legislation.
According to officials, the draft is under discussion with stakeholders. It will be sent to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport after revisions. The standards will come into effect after ministerial approval.
The draft includes provisions on registration, driver eligibility, vehicle standards, fares, and insurance.
Key provisions include:
- Mandatory registration: Vehicles must be registered under digital mobility services with approval from the department. Registered vehicles will be treated as public transport and must be renewed annually. A QR-coded sticker will be required.
- Driver eligibility: Drivers must be at least 18 years old, physically and mentally fit, and free from substance abuse. They must hold a valid license for over one year and have basic app and traffic knowledge.
- Driver screening: Service providers must conduct background checks. Drivers must be insured and enrolled in the Social Security Fund before starting work.
- Vehicle standards: Two-wheelers must be under 15 years old. EVs must have at least 1.5 kW motor and over 40 km/h top speed. Four-wheelers must meet emission norms or EV criteria, and include GPS, Dash-Cam, fire extinguisher, and seatbelts.
- Fare regulation: Platforms must follow government-set fares. Surge pricing is capped at 30% for two-wheelers and 40% for four-wheelers. Platforms can take a maximum of 10% commission.
- Social security: Drivers must contribute to the Social Security Fund, with a minimum monthly deposit of Rs 5,000.
- Accident insurance: A dedicated fund will be created. One percent of each ride fare and 0.5% of platform revenue will be deposited. In case of death or total disability, compensation is set at Rs 1 million.
- Passenger limits: Two-wheelers cannot carry children below 10 years or passengers needing assistance.
- Distance limit: Two-wheelers can operate up to 30 km per trip. Four-wheelers can operate nationwide with route permits.
- App requirements: Platforms must offer Nepali and English language support. Apps must ensure data security, GPS tracking, and transparent fare display.
During service operation, platforms must store key data within servers located in Nepal and integrate their systems with the department’s central system.
The app must clearly display available vehicles and drivers, trip distance, and estimated fare after users enter pickup and destination details.
Vehicles must be continuously monitored through a real-time tracking system, including location, speed, and route. If a driver deviates from the assigned route or exceeds set speed limits, the system must send alerts directly to the driver’s device.
