10 hours ago
Regulate bike taxis, don't ban them, cries Bengaluru
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Bengaluru: As the ban on bike taxis comes into effect here, citizens, commuters, and mobility experts are urging the govt to reconsider its decision, seeking a regulatory framework, instead, that will help integrate bike taxis into the city's mobility system.
Bike taxis have become a vital part of Bengaluru's transport ecosystem, especially for last-mile connectivity. Low-income workers, students, and gig economy participants have come to rely on these as an affordable alternative to costlier transport modes.
"Rather than taking this away, the govt must work on enabling a legal framework — defining vehicle guidelines, rider training norms, insurance, and passenger safety protocols," said Malini Rithesh, a tech employee from Mahadevapura.
Citizens argue that the move affects daily wage earners and gig workers, many of whom depend on the service for supplemental income.
"In my locality, factory workers and domestic helps rely on these daily. Delivery boys also use bike taxis. For just Rs 40-50, people can travel 5-7 km quickly. Why should affordable solutions be shut down?" Ravi S, a commuter, questioned.
Several others took to social media to voice their concern about the economic impact of the ban.
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One X user, @Bengalururains, posted: "I've met many UG and PG students from rural backgrounds, who use bike taxis as part-time jobs to pay for food, rent, and education. The govt is hurting their right to survive."
Jayanagar resident Preethi Nandakumar criticised what she described as a lack of long-term planning. "They hike prices of water, milk, bus, Metro, and now they take away simple options that make people's lives easier. Where's the long-term vision?"
Transport experts have urged the govt to use this moment to draft a forward-looking urban mobility policy. Suggestions include issuing structured licences for bike taxi services, ensuring safety norms for riders and passengers, and integrating such services with public transport through data-sharing mechanisms.
"Bike taxis are not just about convenience — they represent micro-entrepreneurship. The govt must regulate, not retaliate," said a transport researcher from a Bengaluru-based think tank.
