Bengaluru’s notorious traffic crisis has entered a new phase of frustration after the Karnataka High Court upheld the state government’s ban on bike taxi services, leaving thousands of daily commuters with fewer, costlier and less efficient alternatives. The ban, officially enforced on June 16, 2025, followed the court’s decision to dismiss earlier petitions seeking the legalisation of two-wheeler ride-hailing services.
The timing of the ban has proven disastrous for many city dwellers, who relied on the speed and affordability of bike taxis to bypass the city’s congested roads and incomplete infrastructure. As roadworks, narrow lanes, missing U-turns, inadequate footpaths and poor public transport options continue to plague the city, commuters are now forced to depend on autos and cabs—services many say are overpriced and unreliable.
The backlash has been swift and overwhelming on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), users vented their anger, highlighting the strain the ban has placed on their daily routines and finances.
“You block bike taxis… – with no proper roads – dug-up and narrow lanes – missing U-turns – zero metro access in many areas – limited public buses – no footpaths to walk,” one user wrote. “Bangalore’s traffic has increased almost 4/5x with everyone taking out their car or booking an auto. What a genius move.”
Another resident posted, “Not even 8 AM, and #Bengaluru is choked already. Thanks to the #biketaxi ban, had to take an auto. Give me walkable shortest paths to the bus stops and bike lanes, please. This is no way to create cities."
Others lamented the rising financial burden. “I’m paying literally Rs 500 every day just for the commute now. Insanity,” read one comment. Another user noted, “My friend usually books bike taxis for Rs 70–80 after work. But with the ban, no autos accepted rides at night—one even demanded Rs 200, refusing the meter. Govt policies always end up making life harder for common people.”
A frustrated commuter shared their ordeal: “I went around asking auto drivers for a 3 km trip. No one was ready to come on meter, and the cheapest bid I got was for 70Rs/km. Bring back #biketaxi.”
“Struggling with high cab fares and traffic in Bangalore!! We need #BikeTaxi now more than ever!! #AffordableCommute #BringBackBikeTaxi,” a user urged.
The legal battle surrounding bike taxis in Karnataka dates back to 2022, when petitioners asked the court to allow motorcycles to be registered as transport vehicles to legalise the services offered by ride-hailing apps. A temporary order had initially restrained the state government from taking action against bike taxis, but that protection ended in April this year.
On April 2, 2025, the Karnataka High Court dismissed the petitions, citing a 2019 expert committee report that flagged safety issues and traffic impact concerns linked to bike taxis. The court also directed the state government to formulate a comprehensive regulatory framework for bike taxis within three months—a deadline that has since passed without the promised rules being published.
Despite widespread public outcry, the state has yet to announce any concrete plans to reintroduce or regulate bike taxis.
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