Ola resumes services in over 100 cities in green, orange zones

• Ola resumes services in over 100 cities in orange and green zones
• Introduces new preventive measures for its drivers and passengers
• Ola Emergency to continue to offer rides to hospitals in 15 cities

Ola has said that it has resumed its services in over 100 cities across India that fall in the orange and green zones, with effect from May 4, 2020. The service’s emergency ride facility to hospitals remains active across 15 cities. The ride hailing service has also introduced new safety measures to be followed by its drivers and passengers.

Applicable to its services across all cities, the new safety measures mandate the use of masks by both drivers and passengers, with either having the option to cancel the ride if the other is not wearing the mask. The ride hailing service has also said that each taxi will not carry more than two passengers, who would also have to load and unload their own luggage. Furthermore, the use of air-conditioning is not allowed, and customers would also be encouraged to pay via cashless means.

Prior to the start of every ride, drivers are required to send across selfies of themselves wearing masks via their partner app. They can avail of sanitisation kits, including masks, sanitisers and disinfectants, at Ola’s walk-in centres across cities as well. Drivers are also required to sanitise surfaces such as door handles and seats after every ride.

Fellow ride hailing service Uber has also announced the commencement of its service across 25 cities.