At the centre of a plea against bike-taxi app Rapido, the fight for equal access to digital services

At the centre of a plea against bike-taxi app Rapido, the fight for equal access to digital services

  • 22.03.2025 18:45
  • msn.com
  • Keywords: Rapido, Persons with Disabilities

A Delhi High Court case highlights Rapido app's failure to meet accessibility standards for persons with disabilities under India's disability act. The court demanded urgent fixes after finding 170 errors, threatening penalties if not resolved in four months. Petitioners, including visually impaired activists, argued the app's lack of features like ride cancellation and communication options violates their rights.

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Estimated market influence

Rapido

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The Delhi High Court expressed shock at Rapido after discovering 170 accessibility errors in its audit report. The court ordered the company to fix these issues within four months or face consequences.

Roppen Transportation Services

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As the parent company of Rapido, Roppen is implicated in the case for failing to ensure accessibility features for persons with disabilities.

Context

Analysis of the Case Against Rapido: Business Insights and Market Implications

Key Facts and Data

  • Accessibility Errors: The Delhi High Court found 170 accessibility errors in Rapido's app, with 81 major failures identified during an audit.
  • Legal Deadline: Rapido was given four months to resolve these issues; failure to comply could result in penalties or operational restrictions.
  • Regulatory Inaction: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways failed to respond despite being given two opportunities, highlighting regulatory oversight.

Business Implications

  • Legal Compliance Risks: Non-compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) can lead to legal actions, fines, and reputational damage.
  • Market Exclusion: By failing to address accessibility issues, Rapido risks alienating a significant segment of potential users—persons with disabilities (PwDs), who represent a large untapped market.

Market Trends

  • Inclusive Design Demand: There is growing global emphasis on inclusive design and accessibility in digital services, driven by both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.
  • Consumer Backlash: Companies that fail to prioritize accessibility may face negative publicity and loss of trust among users.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Competitor Advantage: Competitors like Ola or Uber, which invest in accessible features, could gain a competitive edge by catering to PwDs more effectively.
  • Regulatory Push: The case sets a precedent for stricter enforcement of accessibility standards across digital platforms, potentially influencing other ride-hailing apps.

Strategic Considerations

  • Investment in Accessibility: Companies must allocate resources for regular accessibility audits and rapid issue resolution to avoid legal and operational risks.
  • Brand Reputation: Proactive inclusion strategies can enhance brand image and customer loyalty, positioning companies as socially responsible entities.

Long-Term Effects

  • Regulatory Changes: The case may prompt stricter regulations on digital platform accessibility, creating a more level playing field for all players in the market.
  • Public Awareness: Increased focus on disability rights could drive broader societal changes, further pushing businesses to adopt inclusive practices.

This case underscores the critical importance of accessibility in business operations and highlights the risks of ignoring regulatory requirements and consumer needs.