Illegal bike taxis in Kochi pose risk to passengers

Bike taxis are running the risk of illegal operations, besides exposing their riders to legal and safety perils. The legal and safety hazards involved in bike taxi operations came into focus after a woman from Kozhikode was reportedly denied compensation claims following a road accident.

Sani Krishna, who booked a bike taxi from CV Raman Nagar, Bengaluru, on June 17, met with an accident, allegedly caused by negligent and rash driving by the bike rider. The bike went into a skid, and she was run over by a tractor. Ms. Krishna had to be hospitalised for weeks.

Ride-hailing service platforms such as Uber and Rapido had launched bike taxi service a few months ago in Kochi, following, which several bikes have started offering the service. Using private vehicles for commercial operation exposes bike riders as well as vehicles to several legal risks, particularly lack of insurance coverage, according to officials.

Ms. Krishna said medical expenses had wiped out the family’s savings. “We have had to spend over ₹20 lakh now, and I am still undergoing treatment,” she added.

The firm that offered the bike taxi service refused to shoulder the legal responsibility for the accident, which was caused by the negligent act of the driver, she said.

Responding to the developments, Transport Commissioner C. Nagaraju said action would be taken against illegal taxis. “We had conducted a special drive a few months ago. We intend to curb such illegally operated taxis and cancel their licences,” Mr. Nagaraju told The Hindu.

Sarjine Thomas, a lawyer specialising in motor accident compensation cases, said using privately registered vehicles for commercial transport was illegal. When a private vehicle is used as taxi, for hire or reward or any other commercial purpose, it violates both the law and the insurance policy, and its passengers face the risk of being denied insurance compensation, he added.

Manu (name changed), a native of Nedumbassery, who ferries passengers in his bike, said he could earn around ₹1,000 by driving for around seven hours.

M.B. Samanthabhadran, district president, Ernakulam Autorickshaw Drivers Association (CITU), said a joint agitation of trade unions was being planned against illegal taxis. Passengers are exposed to serious risks while riding bike taxis, he added.