The land public transport agency (APAD) has announced that ride-hailing providers InDrive and Maxim have been allowed to resume their operations, but will be subjected to a three-month review period starting from July 24.
This comes after the agency conducted random inspections on drivers of both operators on July 11, and found that all the drivers checked during the exercise had valid ride-hailing permits (EVP).
Based on the results of the current review and assessment by APAD and the road transport department (JPJ), the improvement measures and commitment shown by both companies were shown to be satisfactory, the agency said via a statement.
As such, APAD said that the companies will be allowed to continue operating, but will be monitored over the next three months. The agency said that representatives of both companies will be required to report to APAD’s headquarters every month throughout the review period. It added that the number of monthly attendances is subject to requirements based on the level of monitoring and current issues.
According to APAD, this will enable it to carry out ‘real-time’ monitoring where random checks of drivers will be carried out through both InDrive and Maxim applications. The agency said if the companies fail to comply with any of the stipulated service conditions, strict action will be taken against them under Section 12A(5) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715).
In May, the agency had revoked both InDrive and Maxim’s permits, with an order to cease operations effective July 24. The action was taken after it was found that both Russian-owned companies had failed to meet certain conditions, especially with regards to EVP requirements.
Both companies appealed against the decision and were ordered to take corrective measures before July 24 to be able to continue their operations in the country.
Subsequently, the agency said both firms improved their registration system to ensure that all drivers possessed a valid EVP to legally work for them. Both companies also provided access to their “view only” data to facilitate cross-checking of EVPs.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
