Karnataka Bike Taxi ban sparks backlash; riders call for regulation

Bengaluru: A delegation of 110 members from the Namma Bike Taxi Association met Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Dasarahalli MLA S Muniraju on Thursday, pressing the government to reverse its ongoing crackdown on bike taxi services.

The group, representing tens of thousands of bike taxi riders across the state, submitted a formal petition calling for legal recognition and a clear regulatory framework. Their appeal follows a spate of confusion and alleged harassment from enforcement authorities.

Riders demand action

The meeting comes in the wake of multiple open letters addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and MP Rahul Gandhi. None of these communications have received a response so far.

Riders pointed out the irony in the state government's recent passage of the Gig Worker Welfare Bill, while simultaneously targeting a sector that provides flexible income to thousands.

Auto unions add pressure

Drivers also expressed concern over rising threats from auto rickshaw unions. According to the group, one union leader has publicly called on members to block bike taxi protests and has also targeted public figures like Mohandas Pai for expressing support.

Mohammed Salim, President of the Namma Bike Taxi Association, was denied permission to protest at Freedom Park, reportedly under pressure from such unions.

Salim said, “My phone won't stop ringing—250 to 300 drivers call me every day, asking for 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.”

Riders in distress, Commuters frustrated

The crackdown has left many riders in financial trouble. One 37-year-old driver shared, “I've borrowed twice already this month. My daughter's school is asking for fees, and I have nothing left.”

Commuters, too, have expressed dissatisfaction with the government's decision.

Sneha, a college student, said, “Auto fares are 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.”

Bala, a daily commuter, questioned the process, saying, “Why ban something without asking citizens first? There should have been a public consultation or poll.”

No policy, no clarity

Despite the Central Government’s Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020 recognising bike taxis under Section 2(7), Karnataka has not yet introduced matching rules.

The state had rolled out an Electric Bike Taxi Policy in 2021, which was quietly withdrawn in 2024 without any public explanation. This move has left both drivers and commuters in a state of uncertainty.

“Last year, Karnataka saw over 8 crore bike taxi rides. We're not asking for favours—we're asking for the right to work legally and safely,” Salim added.