Rein in errant auto drivers first, then crack down on bike taxis in Bengaluru, netizens tell Karnataka govt

Karnataka transport department seized 133 bike taxis in Bengaluru on Friday

The Karnataka government's decision to crack down on bike taxis has not gone down well with Bengaluru citizens.

Many demanded that the state government first rein in errant auto drivers, who often demand exorbitant fares and refuse to ply. Some argued that taking action against innovative mobility solutions like bike taxis would tarnish the image of the start-up capital.

They also pointed out that states like Maharashtra have already approved the operation of bike taxis in urban areas.

Also, read: Good news for Rapido, Ola, Uber as govt set to legalise bike taxis

Auto rickshaw and cab drivers had staged a protest in front of the Transport Department head office in Shanti Nagar, Bengaluru, on July 4, demanding action against bike taxis.

Also, read: After auto drivers' protest, Karnataka transport department to crack down on bike taxis in Bengaluru

Following this, the transport department formed special enforcement squads and began a crackdown on bike taxis from July 5. In a single day, the transport department seized 133 bike taxis, including 29 electric ones, across the city.

Santosh Punagin, a netizen, wrote on X: "Water tankers and large vehicles are using air horns, causing noise pollution within city limits, yet our team is busy catching poor individuals trying to earn a living via bike taxis. So, if cab drivers protest tomorrow, will you seize autos as well?"

Another handle that goes by the name @niepreneur wrote on X: "Firstly, auto drivers don’t use meters, and they prevent others from offering rides at affordable prices."

Also, read: Karnataka transport department seizes 133 bike taxis in Bengaluru

Ram Hegde, a Bengaluru resident, wrote on X: "Bike taxis are very convenient and affordable. The government could regulate them but should not ban them. Let auto drivers face some competition; otherwise, they demand a minimum of Rs 200 even for a 1km journey."

@matinshaikh wrote: "Why ban bike taxis? They are the most convenient and cheapest way to commute and also help ease traffic issues in Bengaluru."

Sachin Reddy, another passenger, posted on X: "These people (a big majority of them!) don’t follow rules, threaten passengers, overcharge left, right, and center, and then hold governments to ransom! Absolutely ridiculous!"

@Bnglrweatherman, a popular handle on X, wrote: "First, the Transport dept should crack down on autos that don't use meters, refuse to go where passengers want, and overcharge. They have a problem with bike taxis, which are a boon to Bengalureans. The government should not give in to this highhandedness."

Also, read: Take action against those obstructing bike taxi services: Karnataka HC to state

Niranjan Raj wrote on X: "I have seen working professionals ride as riders on weekends and this source of good money. Will autos charge less now? A big no."

@Themangofellow on X posted: "Does the Karnataka transport department have the guts to crack down on autos that deny rides and demand excess fares? Only Bangalore city ignores public transport users on the entire planet."

Murlidhar Bhat, another Bengaluru resident, said: "Why deny the common man low-cost transport solutions? Bike taxis and shared autos are great solutions for reducing transport costs, faster commutes for the public, and sources of income generation for individuals."

At present, Rapido and Uber operate petrol-run bike taxis, while Ola operates electric bike taxis in Bengaluru.

Also, read: After protests by Bengaluru auto unions, Karnataka withdraws Electric Bike Taxi Scheme

In March 2024, following protests by auto-rickshaw unions in Bengaluru, the Karnataka government withdrew the Electric Bike Taxi Scheme, which was launched in 2021.

In April 2024, the Karnataka High Court directed the state government to protect bike taxi operators by taking strict action against any individual or entities found unlawfully obstructing bike taxi riders from carrying out their services.

Also, read: Karnataka e-bike taxi row: Unions back state govt; Rapido says its operations will continue