The Namma Bike Taxi Association, which advocates for 100,000 bike taxi drivers in Bengaluru, has officially sought the minister’s attention regarding their daily struggles, including harassment, fines, and legal ambiguities, offering affordable last-mile transportation to numerous commuters.
According to a release, the delegation told the Minister that without operational regulations, they face harassment and penalties, urging the government to recognize bike taxis as a legitimate transport option.
Ramesh K, a bike taxi driver and association member, stated, “We are not criminals; we are just trying to earn a dignified living. We live in fear daily. If bike taxis are allowed in Delhi and Maharashtra, why can’t we work in Karnataka?”
Although the Union government’s Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020 acknowledge bike taxis, Karnataka has not yet created state-specific regulations, leaving drivers in legal limbo.
During the hearing, Justice B Shyam Prasad urged the government to establish regulations and guidelines for bike taxis in the state. The Court noted that although the Motor Vehicles Act allows for the registration of two-wheelers, the lack of specific guidelines makes the operation of bike taxis on public roads illegal.
(Newsroom staff only edited this story for style from a syndicated feed)
