The Karnataka government's decision to withdraw the Electric Bike Taxi Scheme, launched in 2021, has evoked mixed reactions from stakeholders.
"The Electric Bike Taxi scheme solely pertained to the operation of electric bike taxis within Karnataka. The notification issued by the state government does not pertain to Rapido's bike taxi operations within the state of Karnataka, and Rapido will continue to operate and serve both its customers and captains in the state of Karnataka without any disruptions," app-based bike taxi aggregator Rapido said in a statement.
Rapido has been operating petrol bike taxis in Bengaluru since 2016.
A notification issued by the state transport department on March 6 cited concerns about private app-based organizations using non-transport two-wheelers (white board vehicles) in violation of the Motor Vehicle Act.
Also read: After protests by Bengaluru auto unions, Karnataka withdraws Electric Bike Taxi Scheme
A Rapido spokesperson said, "Rapido had filed a writ petition before the Karnataka high court in 2021 concerning its bike taxi operations in the state. The high court granted an interim order in favor of Rapido in August 2021 and directed the state government to not take any coercive action against Rapido or its riders. The case was last listed for hearing on March 7, 2024, and has now been adjourned to March 20, 2024, with the extension of the interim order."
Further, it said, "Rapido remains committed to upholding legal standards and ensuring the highest level of service quality and safety for its users. We will continue to cooperate with the legal process and remain transparent in our operations."
Meanwhile, cab and auto rickshaw unions that have been demanding a ban on bike taxis welcomed the move. Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations Nataraj Sharma welcomed the government's decision and also thanked those who joined in the September 11 strike for the ban on bike taxis. Karnataka Rajya Chalakara Parishath members even distributed sweets at Rapido's office in HSR Layout.
Also read: Why Karnataka's electric bike taxi policy failed to take off
However, many passengers urged the government to rein in auto rickshaws that refuse to ply by the government-fixed meter fare.
The government's notification stated that there were instances where auto and taxi drivers engaged in heated disputes with bike taxi riders, leading to law and order issues. It also raises concerns about the unauthorized operations of bike taxis, particularly impacting women's safety. The implementation of the scheme has also affected department tax collection and enforcement. According to a committee chaired by the BMRCL managing director on the bike taxi scheme, the initiative has not given the desired results, it adds.
In July 2021, the then BJP-led state government introduced the Electric Bike Taxi Scheme in an attempt to improve first and last-mile connectivity from Metro, bus, and railway stations, as well as to create employment opportunities.
Karnataka government's decision is in contrast to a recent advisory from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) dated January 22, 2024, supports bike taxis. The advisory urges all states and union territories to accept and process applications for contract carriage permits for motorcycles under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and its rules.
Also read: Good news for Rapido, Ola, Uber as govt set to legalise bike taxis
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