India, Aug. 4 -- A recent nationwide survey found strong public support for stricter regulations to curb arbitrary cancellations by app-based taxi drivers, with 76% of respondents favouring penalties for drivers who cancel confirmed bookings, similar to Maharashtra's new aggregator policy.

Under the Maharashtra Aggregator Cabs Policy 2025, drivers who cancel a confirmed ride without a valid reason must pay a penalty of 10% of the fare or Rs.100, whichever is lower, with the amount credited to the passenger. For trips to airports, railway stations and hospitals, the penalty increases to 50% of the fare; while the policy also caps surge pricing at 1.5 times the base fare; and mandates grievance redressal mechanisms.

The survey was conduct...