Cab drivers’ union harasses carpooling app users in Bengaluru, calls it illegal

While auto-rickshaw unions are at odds with bike taxi operators like Rapido, Uber and Ola over claims of losing customers, cab drivers are opposing carpooling aggregators like Quick Ride

A video showing members of a cab drivers’ union harassing Quick Ride users at Manyata Tech Park in Bengaluru's Nagawara and claiming carpooling as illegal has gone viral on social media.

While auto-rickshaw unions are at odds with bike taxi operators like Rapido, Uber and Ola over claims of losing customers, cab drivers are opposing carpooling aggregators like Quick Ride.

This comes at a time when Bengaluru traffic police are promoting carpooling initiatives to reduce congestion in the city.

Also Read: Traffic cops propose carpooling, shuttle buses to ease congestion on Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road

KNM Rao, Founder & CEO of Quick Ride, which was established in 2015, told Moneycontrol, "Through various campaigns, we have been urging professionals to share vehicles and save road space and traffic. Some individuals are spreading propaganda that carpooling is illegal and harassing professionals who carpool, stopping them on the road and instilling fear in the carpooling community."

"We request the government to step forward and clarify its stance on carpooling and take action against such false propaganda. Carpooling represents true shared mobility where road space is shared as an asset. A congested city like Bengaluru needs an active and extensive carpool network," he added.

Karnataka Rajya Chalakara Parishath leader K Somashekar, who is leading the protest, said: “Whiteboard private vehicles should not be used for commercial purposes. Cab drivers are suffering significant financial losses due to illegal carpooling services. Salaried employees are earning additional income through carpooling services, but driving is the sole source of income for cab drivers.”

Karnataka Transport Commissioner Yogesh AM told Moneycontrol: "From a traffic point of view, carpooling is beneficial. I have received complaints from drivers stating that whiteboard vehicles are being used for commercial purposes. This is illegal."

Rao said Motor Vehicle aggregator guidelines clearly allow carpooling for consideration.

Clause 15 of Motor Vehicle Aggregators Guidelines 2020 issued by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways states: "In furtherance of the Central and state governments' objectives to reduce traffic congestion and automobile pollution, and to effectively utilize assets, non-transport vehicle pooling may be provided by aggregators unless prohibited by the state government. The rationale for such prohibition shall be specified in writing and made accessible on the transport portal of the state government."

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M N Anucheth told Moneycontrol that carpooling initiatives aim to reduce the number of vehicles. “Nobody has the right to harass anyone. If anyone experiences harassment, they should file a complaint at the nearest police station or call 112. They cannot take the law into their own hands. If they have issues with carpooling, they should submit a representation to the transport department,” Anucheth said.

Meanwhile, Quick Ride posted on X: “The argument that carpooling will put cab drivers out of business is flawed in itself. Taxi users will always choose taxis for door-to-door pickup and drop-off services. If carpooling is stopped, people will use their own vehicles or company-arranged buses.”

“Carpooling is perfectly legal and has been happening for ages. Quick Ride has employed technology to address all the issues with traditional carpooling, making it flexible, user-friendly and accessible to the masses. It is ironic that individuals with vested interests, lacking credentials to determine the legality of an activity are trying to sensationalise it for personal gain. We are debating the legal aspects of a wonderful concept like carpooling," it stated.

The development also sparked discussion on social media.

Monish C P, a netizen, wrote on X: “The issues they are highlighting regarding yellow board vehicles are legitimate, but stopping people like these is not a solution as it will tarnish their image. Filing a legal complaint and taking the aggregator to court would bring clarity or possibly lead to app bans.” Lokesh, another X user, wrote: “Since Manyata Embassy Park stopped its office bus facility due to COVID, many commuters in Manyata now rely on carpooling. This is unfortunate.”

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