Transport stakeholders divided over bike taxi services after court order

The order of the Karnataka High Court allowing the operation of bike taxi services in the State has triggered a strong reaction from multiple transport stakeholders, while bike taxi riders have welcomed the move, traditional transport operators fear a significant impact on their earnings.

Meanwhile, autorickshaw unions, transport federations and app-based workers’ groups have flagged concerns related to safety, legality and livelihood.

The autorickshaw drivers, who have long opposed the entry of bike taxis, argue that the bike taxi poses both an economic threat and a safety risk to commuters.

According to them, the expansion of bike taxi services could divert passengers away from autorickshaws and taxis, affecting daily incomes.

The Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU) general secretary T.M. Rudramurthy said, “Allowing bike taxis will go against the interests of auto and taxi drivers as our earnings will be affected. This will push many of us into financial hardship,” he said.

Bike taxis eating into auto customer base

. Drivers have also alleged that several bike taxis operate illegally and compromise passenger safety.

Prakash H., an auto driver from Jayanagar, pointed out that nearly two lakh autorickshaws operate on city roads and that lakhs of families depend on this profession. He argued that permitting white-board motorcycles to operate as bike taxis would make it easier for unregulated and unsafe operators to enter the market. “There have been several instances of accidents, lack of helmets for pillion riders, unsafe for women riders and violation of safety norms by bike taxi riders. Allowing such services will only worsen the situation,” he added.

Safety issues

Concerns were also raised by the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations, which questioned whether personal two-wheelers should be allowed to function as bike taxis in the absence of a formal government policy. The federation president S. Nataraj Sharma also said the issues related to safety and hygiene also need to be addressed and it remains to be seen how the government intends to regulate these aspects.”

The Karnataka App-based Workers’ Union also highlighted similar concerns, particularly regarding the use of personal number plates. Inayath Ali, president of the union and vice-president of the Indian Federation of App-based Workers’, urged the Transport Department to make it mandatory for bike taxi aggregators such as Rapido, Ola and Uber to ensure that all riders register their vehicles as commercial vehicles with yellow number plates.

“All other taxi services, including autos and cabs, follow this norm. Bike taxis should not be treated differently,” he said.

Mr. Ali warned that allowing bike taxis to operate using personal number plates poses risks to riders, passengers and the general public. “If bike taxis continue to use personal plates, everyone will be at risk. If it is acceptable for bike taxis, why are cabs and autos not allowed to use personal plates? The answer is simple, it is a safety issue,” he added.

Meanwhile, bike taxi riders argue that the service fills a crucial mobility gap in the city, especially first and last mile connectivity to metro and bus stations. Rajath, a bike taxi rider from Bellandur, said, “Bike taxis offer an affordable, quick and accessible mode of transport, particularly for working-class commuters, students and women. Many riders earn between ₹30,000 and ₹35,000 a month, which helps support their families.”