Booking a Cab Soon? Same Gender Driver Option Coming to Ola, Uber, Rapido
The same gender driver option will soon become available on cab booking apps such as Ola, Uber and Rapido. Under new government guidelines, passengers will be able to choose a driver of the same gender while booking a ride. The move aims to strengthen passenger safety, with a special focus on women travellers.
The government has also introduced clear rules on tipping, ensuring that drivers receive the full amount tipped by passengers without any deductions.
Safety at the Core of New Cab Aggregator Rules
The revised Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines place passenger safety at the centre of platform-based transport services. Officials believe that allowing riders to choose a same gender driver can reduce safety concerns, especially during late-night travel.
For women passengers, the option to select a female driver is expected to bring greater comfort and confidence while using cab services. The guidelines apply to all licensed cab aggregators operating across India.
The notification does not mention a specific implementation date. As per standard practice, the rules are treated as effective from the date of issuance.
How and When the Rule Will Be Implemented
The guidelines come from the central government, but state governments will enforce them through their licensing frameworks. Cab aggregators must update their mobile applications to comply with the new provisions.
Under Clause 15.6 of the guidelines, companies must add a same gender driver selection feature to their apps. Compliance will become mandatory for obtaining or renewing aggregator licences. Authorities may suspend or cancel licences if platforms fail to follow the rules.
When the original aggregator guidelines were issued in July 2025, states received three months to adopt them. A similar transition period may apply to these amendments, though officials have not announced a fixed timeline.
Industry Raises Concerns Over Driver Availability
Industry experts have flagged practical challenges in implementing the same gender driver option. According to officials associated with cab aggregator platforms, women currently make up less than 5% of cab drivers nationwide.
This imbalance could affect the on-demand nature of cab services. Passengers may face longer waiting times, particularly during late-night hours when demand remains high but driver availability drops.
Experts warn that the feature may work as an option rather than a guarantee, especially in smaller cities and semi-urban areas. Ola, Uber and Rapido have so far declined to comment on the new rules.
New Tipping Rules Ensure 100% Payment to Drivers
The government has also introduced transparent tipping norms to protect drivers’ earnings and prevent misleading practices.
Passengers will see the tipping option only after the trip ends. Apps cannot display the option during booking or while the ride is in progress. This rule prevents indirect pressure on riders to tip.
Most importantly, drivers will receive 100% of the tip amount. Cab companies cannot deduct any commission or service charge from tips. The guidelines also bar platforms from using manipulative or misleading design practices related to tipping, in line with the Consumer Protection Act.
Officials say these changes aim to create a safer, fairer and more transparent ecosystem for both passengers and drivers.
