# Maharashtra sets 12-hour driving limit, 80% fare rule for Ola, Uber 2026-08-19T11:54:49+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Maharashtra Transport Department has introduced new regulations for app-based passenger services such as Ola, Uber and Rapido, effective from September 1. Aggregators must obtain a licence from the state transport department. Drivers need a valid driving licence, a badge, and practical knowledge of Marathi, along with a 15-year residence certificate and police verification. Drivers cannot operate vehicles for more than 12 consecutive hours. They must receive at least 80% of the total fare collected. All app-based vehicles will be tracked via GPS, and the transport department will conduct online monitoring and driver verification. Aggregator apps and websites must be available in Marathi, Hindi and English. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The new rules directly address driver grievances over low earnings and long hours that have sparked protests in Maharashtra and other states. The 80% fare share clause is a significant intervention in the platform economy, where companies typically keep a larger cut. The 12-hour limit aligns with central motor vehicle rules on driving hours. Enforcement will be key: GPS tracking gives the transport department real-time data, but previous compliance in the unregulated taxi segment has been patchy. Watch for how aggregators adjust fare structures to absorb the 80% payout, and whether they pass costs to riders or challenge the rule in court. The next milestone is the September 1 implementation date. ## Coverage - news.abplive.com Leads with the rules themselves and the effective date, no commentary on government motives or opposition. This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Tags: Maharashtra Transport Department, Ola, Rapido, Uber Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/maharashtra-sets-12-hour-driving-limit-80-fare-rule-for-ola-uber/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/maharashtra-sets-12-hour-driving-limit-80-fare-rule-for-ola-uber/#story-in-brief How this brief was made: an AI model read the report linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/