Tootle-Pathao controversy: 5 years on, Nepal undecided between legalising ride-sharing and banning

On March 22, 2021, a Pathao rider was assaulted by a taxi driver at Gongabu of Kathmandu claiming that the Pathao rider lured his customer away by offering a ride at a low fare. This clash has revived a controversy on the operation of ride-sharing apps such as Pathao and Tootle. The controversy, meanwhile, highlighted the urgent need for a law to regulate them.

This controversy started as soon as Tootle launched a ride-sharing service on motorcycles and taxis in December 2016. At that time, the government responded saying it was illegal to ferry passengers on private vehicles.