The government of Nepal, via the Department of Transport Management (DoTM), has completed the Digital Mobility Service Operation Standard 2026 to officially oversee the rapidly expanding ride-sharing industry in the country. This comprehensive framework, launched following multiple directives from the Supreme Court, establishes stringent operational requirements for both service providers and passengers.
According to the new regulations, all ride-sharing vehicles must be registered as “Digital Mobility Services” and must not exceed 15 years in age. The pricing structure is capped at a maximum of Rs. 25 per kilometer for two-wheelers and Rs. 55 per kilometer for four-wheelers. Drivers are required to possess a valid license for a minimum of one year and must participate in the Social Security Fund. The new regulations also promote price consistency by limiting surge pricing to 30% for two-wheelers and 40% for four-wheelers, while restricting the commission platforms can charge drivers to a maximum of 10%.
To bolster passenger safety, the DoTM now requires all vehicles to display a government-issued QR sticker for immediate verification and mandates that apps provide a direct SOS link to police stations. Moreover, four-wheelers must be outfitted with GPS tracking, dash cameras, and fire extinguishers. A dedicated “Traffic Accident Fund” will also be created, funded by a 1% deduction from every fare and a 0.5% contribution from platform earnings, enabling compensation of up to Rs 1 million for serious accidents. These standards are designed to harmonize the diverse provincial regulations and formally incorporate ride-sharing into Nepal’s public transportation system.
