Revved-up revenue: Bengaluru bike-taxi riders soar with fare hike & no commission; commuters pay more

BENGALURU: Bike-taxi riders in the city are reporting higher daily incomes after resumption of services, thanks to a commission-free model and a modest fare hike. Aggregators are temporarily not deducting their usual cut from rides, leaving the entire fare with drivers, while commuters have seen an increase of around 20% in trip costs.Since bike taxis resumed operations in the city on Aug 21, fares per kilometre have seen a slight increase. However, the high demand and lack of cheaper alternatives have led commuters to prefer two-wheelers to autorickshaws, which typically charge higher rates.

Within two days of the resumption, aggregators Uber and Ola suspended their bike-taxi services following a clarification from the Karnataka high court.

The court stated that it did not issue any order permitting the resumption of services, although it did not prohibit individual riders from operating independently. Bike-taxi riders with Rapido continue to operate under the Bike Direct initiative that has waived of the commission.Nithin, a bike-taxi rider, said: "Whatever money is made, it comes directly now, they are not taking any cut. Earlier, if I rode 12-13 hours a day, commissions alone would add up to Rs 250.

Now I can keep that money for myself."Another driver, Manoj, said the model had been a lifeline after 2.5 months of lost income: "If we go 10km, we get Rs 100-105. Now the entire amount is ours. Normally, Rs 10 used to get deducted per order. This way, survival is easier."Karimullah, who earns close to Rs 1,500 daily, said he had left his auto to take up bike taxis. "Even during the ban, I didn't want to go back to autos because I knew this would be financially better.

Now I'm making a few hundred rupees more than before."Commuters see price riseFor commuters, fares have gone up slightly, with many reporting increase of Rs 10-20 per trip. Yet, the convenience of bike taxis keeps them popular. Rama Lalitha, who travels daily from Doddanekundi to Bagamane Tech Park, said: "It used to be Rs 40, now it fluctuates between Rs 50 and 60. But it's still cheaper than paying Rs 100-120 for an auto.

And it's quicker, no need to haggle or pay tips."Future uncertainThe favourable earnings are being seen as temporary by rider groups. Adi Narayana, president of the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, said: "As of now, captains are getting the full amount, which is good. But I'm not sure it will remain the same once new policies are framed."While the zero-commission model and fare hikes have created a short-term earnings surge, both riders and commuters are waiting to see if regulatory clarity will change the equation again.