Auto unions threatening us: Karnataka bike taxi body seeks rollback of ban

A bike taxi association in Karnataka met state Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, urging the government to reverse its decision to ban bike taxis across the state, and alleging threats from auto unions.

A group of 110 bike taxi riders from the Namma Bike Taxi Association submitted a petition on Thursday demanding legal recognition of bike taxis and a clear policy framework to regulate these services, news agency ANI reported.

During the meeting with Gundu Rao and others, the delegation alleged intimidation and harassment by auto unions. They said that union president Mohammad Salim was denied permission to protest against the bike taxis' ban due to alleged pressure from the auto unions.

"My phone won't stop ringing. Around 250 to 300 drivers call me every day, asking for help. I don't know what to tell them. Should we lose our livelihoods because the government has no policy on bike taxis? We don't want chaos. We need regulation, not a ban," Salim said.

The meeting followed a series of open letters addressed to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Rahul Gandhi. None of the leaders have responded to these letters so far, ANI reported.

BIKE TAXIS BANNED IN KARNATAKA

The Karnataka High Court, in April, upheld an earlier government order declaring the operations of bike taxi platforms like Rapido, Ola, and Uber Moto illegal in the state, citing the lack of a clear regulatory framework.

The ban came into being on June 16 after the High Court refused to reverse its verdict, impacting the livelihoods of six lakh people.

ANI Technologies Private Limited (Ola), Uber India Systems Private Limited, Roppen Transportation Services Pvt Ltd (Rapido), and others had filed appeals challenging the High Court's April 2 ruling. The High Court will next hear the matter on June 24.

"Last year, Karnataka saw over eight crore bike taxi rides. We're not asking for favours. We're asking for the right to work legally and safely," Salim added.

BIKE RIDERS AND COMMUTERS FEEL THE HEAT

Bike taxi riders have been facing difficulties since the bike taxis' ban came into effect.

A 37-year old rider, said, "I've borrowed twice already this month. My daughter's school is asking for fees, and I have nothing left."

Another 26-year-old rider, who rides for Ola and Uber, added, "Delivery partners can use the same bike to deliver food--but I get fined for giving someone a ride. Where's the logic in that?"

Commuters are feeling the ripple effects of the ban and are now forced to shell out more money for their travel.

Sneha, 19, a college student, said, "Auto fares are through the roof. I used to pay Rs 50 for a bike taxi. Now autos charge Rs 100 to Rs 150 for the same distance."

Sandeep, 27, a tech professional, said, "There's no last-mile connectivity to most metro stations. Bike taxis filled that gap. Now I'm stuck spending twice the time and money."

Bala, 31, a daily commuter, said, "Why ban something without asking citizens first? There should have been a public consultation or a poll."

Despite the Centre framing the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020, recognising bike taxis, Karnataka is yet to formulate the rules. The state had introduced an Electric Bike Taxi Policy in 2021, but withdrew it last year without any reason.

(with inputs from ANI)

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