Bike taxi drivers allege harassment by auto unions over plan to protest ban; demand legal framework
After the
bike taxi ban
came into effect on June 16, over 100 drivers from aggregator platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido in Karnataka alleged harassment by auto unions and said they were denied permission to protest at Freedom Park due to pressure from such groups.
The drivers, part of the
Namma Bike Taxi Association
, submitted a petition on Thursday, demanding legal recognition of bike taxis and a clear policy framework to end harassment and regulatory confusion. '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,' said Mohammed Salim, president of the association.
Representatives of the bike taxi drivers also met Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Dasarahalli MLA S Muniraju on Thursday, seeking urgent intervention to reverse the ongoing crackdown on bike taxi services in the state.
The meeting follows a series of open letters addressed to chief minister Siddaramaiah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and MP Rahul Gandhi, none of which have elicited a response. The association said it's ironic on the government's part, as they were the ones to pass a Gig Worker Welfare Bill just last month, while banning a sector that offers flexible income to thousands.
Salim said over 300 drivers are calling him daily, seeking help. 'And I don't know what to tell them. Should we lose our livelihoods because the government has no policy for bike taxis? We don't want chaos. We need regulation, not a ban,' he said.
Commuters face the brunt
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Daily commuters said they have been feeling the pinch since the ban, with auto fares rising sharply. Many also complained of frequent booking cancellations unless they added high tips. Several commuters have called for a public consultation on the issue and urged the government to withdraw the ban.
'Auto fares are going through the roof. I used to pay Rs 50 on a bike taxi, now autos charge Rs 100 to Rs 150 for the same distance,' said a college student in the city.
The union pointed out that despite the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020 from the Centre recognising bike taxis, Karnataka is yet to formulate corresponding rules. 'The state's 2021 Electric Bike Taxi Policy was also quietly withdrawn in 2024, leaving thousands of drivers without regulatory protection,' it said in a statement.
With the ban in full effect, bike taxi drivers are facing a tough time earning a living. Imran M, a father of two who uses the aggregator apps, said, 'I've borrowed twice already this month. My daughter's school is asking for fees, and I have nothing left.'
Similarly, Sathish, a 26-year-old driver who treated ferrying passengers as his regular job, said, '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?'
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