Ride-hailing riders suspend protest, but fare dispute remains unresolved
Summary
Ride-hailing riders have suspended their protest after inDrive gave a written commitment to address their demands, but no agreement has been reached on a minimum fare. The dispute over commissions, VAT, safety and base rates remains unresolved as Nepal works on a new regulatory framework for the sector.
Key Points
- Riders affiliated with inDrive and the Independent Drivers Foundation Nepal staged sit-ins in Kathmandu and Lalitpur demanding a minimum base fare and safer working conditions.
- A tripartite meeting at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport led inDrive to sign a written commitment, after which the protest was suspended.
- Drivers want a minimum fare of Rs25–27 per kilometre, while companies argue fixed fares could raise costs for passengers and hurt competition.
- Nepal currently lacks a clear legal framework for ride-hailing services, and the ministry is drafting new rules while consulting stakeholders.
