New Delhi: The Centre has notified key amendments to the Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, allowing cab passengers to voluntarily tip drivers and choose a driver of the same gender, including an option for women passengers to select women drivers specifically.

The amendments to Clauses 14 and 15 were issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on December 15, 2025, and apply to digital cab aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and similar platforms.

Voluntary Tipping After Ride Completion

Under the revised rules, cab aggregator apps may offer a voluntary tipping feature, but only after the journey is completed. The tipping option cannot appear at the time of booking, before the ride begins, or during the journey, ensuring passengers are not pressured.

The guidelines clearly state that:

  • 100% of the tip amount must go to the driver
  • Aggregators cannot deduct any commission
  • The tipping mechanism must not be misleading, manipulative, or in violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019

Same-Gender Driver Choice Introduced

A major passenger safety feature introduced in the amendments allows users to choose a driver of the same gender, where available. Women passengers can now opt specifically for women drivers, a move aimed at enhancing safety and comfort.

Fare Caps and Dynamic Pricing

The broader Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, notified earlier on July 1, permit dynamic pricing within strict limits:

  • Fares can be up to 50% lower than the state-notified base fare
  • Surge pricing during peak hours is capped at a maximum of two times the base fare
  • Route Monitoring and Safety
  • Drivers are required to follow the in-app navigation route. Any deviation will automatically alert the aggregator’s control room, which must then contact both the driver and passenger immediately.

Ride Cancellation Penalties

The guidelines also lay down penalties for cancellations:

  • Drivers cancelling rides without valid reasons may face a penalty of 10% of the fare (up to ₹100)
  • Passengers cancelling without valid reasons will also be charged 10% of the fare (up to ₹100)
  • The collected amount will be shared between the driver and the aggregator

Licence Suspension Provisions

The notification further empowers authorities to suspend an aggregator’s licence following an inquiry, either suo motu or based on complaints, with reasons recorded in writing.