Indian Capital Bans All Web-Based Taxi Services

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2014-12-09

India's capital has banned all web-based taxi companies after a woman accused a driver from the U.S.-based firm Uber of raping her.

Officials in New Delhi announced a ban against Uber on Monday, but on Tuesday extended it to apply to all taxi services except a group of six registered radio taxi providers.

Uber representatives said Tuesday the company had not received an official order to stop operating, and that it would issue a statement later in the day.

A finance company employee has accused 32-year-old driver Shiv Kumar Yadav of raping her last Friday after she fell asleep in his car. Yadav appeared in court on Monday.

Indian police told the Reuters news agency they are considering legal action against the taxi service for failing to run a background check on the driver. The company says background checks are not required, but CEO Travis Kalanick said Uber will work with the government to establish clear background checks for the Indian commercial transportation licensing programs.

Uber began service in New Delhi a year ago, allowing people to request a taxi using their smartphone.

Source: Voice of America

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