Amidst the rollback of the Electric Bike Taxi Scheme 2021, the Karnataka Transport Department has initiated a clampdown on bike taxi operations. However, the bike taxi association has clarified that this applies only to EVs and threatened to file for contempt of court if action is taken against their other operations.
Following a massive protest by the union of private transport organisations against bike taxis, the transport department has issued an order imposing a clampdown on bike taxis starting Friday. RTO officials will ensure legal action against bike taxis operating on that day. The order stems from the Karnataka government’s withdrawal of the Electric Bike Taxi Scheme 2021, citing safety issues. According to the transport department’s order, action will be taken against bike taxis operating under the scheme. A special task force has been formed in 10 RTOs in Bengaluru to crack down on unauthorised EV bike taxis. However, the matter is currently in the Karnataka High Court, which has provided interim relief by directing the state government not to take any coercive steps.
Responding to the transport department’s decision, the private transport unions stated that they have been advocating for months to ban bike taxis. “We have been requesting the ban on bike taxis for the past 3-4 months. The transport department has agreed in writing to ban bike taxis starting tomorrow. Additionally, they have agreed to enforce a uniform fare structure, limit commission charges to no more than 5 per cent for drivers/owners, and streamline the online permit application process to resolve technology hurdles within a week,” said S Nataraj Sharma, President of the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association.The bike taxi association has warned of filing contempt of court proceedings if any action is taken against their members. “Some social media reports have indicated that a letter from the office of the transport commissioner orders the seizure of EV bikes and unauthorised bike taxis. Based on this letter, some auto unions have threatened to forcefully halt bike taxi operations and seize vehicles in Bengaluru. Firstly, we want to clarify that the letter pertains specifically to EV bike taxis. Secondly, bike taxi operations are protected by orders from the Honourable High Court of Karnataka. All unions were parties to this case, and the High Court has directed the state government to take action against anyone harassing or threatening Uber, Rapido, or any bike taxi drivers.“We strongly urge that if any such incidents occur against our bike taxi union members, we will personally file contempt cases against those violating individuals,” said Adi Narayana, President of the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, Karnataka. “Following the High Court order, our union members have met with the Commissioner of Police Bengaluru on several occasions, and he has assured strict action against any reported violations of the High Court orders.”
