India: Govt urged to lower GST slab for self-driven shared mobility

Last month, Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC) carried out a survey amongst the public transport users. The survey of commuters revealed that most of the early public transport users would prefer to use a self-driven vehicle. Based on this survey a white paper was prepared- titled, “Urban Mobility in the face of a pandemic: The new reality and role of Shared Mobility”. It was endorsed by the Niti Aayog and submitted to various government agencies. The paper looks into different forms of commute. It highlights that self-driven shared mobility will be the safest mode of commute in post COVID-19 situation.

The report has been assented by Niti Aayog. Based on report, Bounce and Vogo have petitioned to Central and State government to re-evaluate urban commute. They have requested that GST slab revision for shared mobility industry. Preferably, slab of zero percent GST or taxed under the 5 percent GST slab on par with cab aggregators.

“India needs to prioritise sustainable mobility solutions. It can help combat the challenges of social distancing and hygiene while ensuring economic activity resumes safely. Shared mobility services like self-drive shared scooters can be an efficient option. They provide an affordable, individual and safe mode of transport for commuters,” said Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog.