VOX-POP
‘Legally, the ban might be justified, but practically, bike taxis were solving real problems. They reduced congestion, helped students, and even discouraged people from buying personal vehicles. This decision hits gig workers hard.’
Tarun Bajaj, entrepreneur
‘Bike taxis aren’t very safe or secure — there’s no insurance coverage if something goes wrong. While banning them benefits cab and auto drivers who pay for permits and insurance, I believe regulation is a better solution. If allowed, the government should fix fares and strictly enforce the law. That said, I feel it’s unsafe for women to ride or drive bike taxis — the recent incident where a female passenger was slapped by a bike taxi driver was truly disturbing.’
Amogh, documentary filmmaker
‘Removing them could push more private vehicles onto the roads and worsen traffic. They’re especially useful for first-and last-mile connectivity in areas lacking public transport. The government must ensure inclusive options with proper regulations. And if autos and cabs operated on meters, more people would prefer them too,”
Sateesh Amilineni, trustee of an NGO
‘Bike taxis are not a threat. They are a convenient, economical way to beat city traffic — they just need to be better regulated with a strong focus on safety and responsibility’
Akshay Heblikar, conservationist
BOX – I
Crackdown in motion
The Transport Department booked over 100 cases against bike taxi riders on the very first day of the ban, seizing vehicles across 11 RTO zones. This follows the High Court’s June 15 deadline for platforms to halt services. Ola and Rapido had challenged the ban, but the court declined to grant them interim relief. The case is now scheduled to be heard again on June 24. Meanwhile, a June 13 incident involving a Rapido rider allegedly slapping a woman commuter has reignited safety concerns. The driver has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
BOX – II
Costlier commutes, frustrated riders
With bike taxis off the roads, auto and cab fares have spiked, leaving daily commuters in a lurch. Reports of inflated pricing, long waits, and ride refusals are pouring in. Many autos are allegedly demanding extra tips to accept digital bookings. Legal experts say passengers can report such conduct under Section 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act as unfair trade practices. Aman Agarwal, a commuter, vented online – “An hour wasted trying to book an auto. Even after paying Rs 200, they refuse rides.”
BOX – III
A Ban with Bigger Consequences
Karnataka’s blanket ban may tick legal boxes — but it’s setting off economic and social shockwaves. The state is forfeiting Rs 85 crore annually in potential GST and permit revenue, while over 1 lakh gig workers are left jobless. Startups and investors are now spooked, as Karnataka sends a chilling message: innovate at your own risk. Other states like Maharashtra, Delhi, and West Bengal are regulating e-bike taxis with safety norms. Karnataka remains stalled, without a policy or plan in place.