<p>Hyderabad: Following Karnataka, there is demand growing in Hyderabad to ban bike taxi services. Supporters of the ban argue that motorcycles with white registration plates are operating illegally as taxis, leaving unsuspecting drivers vulnerable to fines and penalties from RTA authorities. </p><p>The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union (TGPWU) estimates that between 60,000 and 70,000 bike taxis operate on Hyderabad's roads. </p><p>The state transport department maintains its firm position that two-wheelers with white number plates, designated for personal use, cannot be used for commercial purposes.</p><p>However, ride-hailing companies continue to openly violate this regulation by allowing private vehicles to operate as bike taxis on their platforms, said TGPWU.</p> .Bike taxi ban has hit over 6 lakh families, Karnataka HC told .<p>Critics argue that this practice misleads economically vulnerable drivers and compromises public safety. The unregulated nature of these bike taxi services means they lack proper verification procedures and adequate insurance coverage, putting passengers at significant risk.</p><p>TGPWU expressed deep concern over the continued alleged illegal operations of bike taxis in Telangana by companies such as Rapido, Ola, and Uber, despite clear rules prohibiting such activities.</p> .<p>“Unlicensed commercial activity disrupts traffic management and road safety. The state government is losing substantial revenue from commercial registration fees, taxes, and permits. We strongly condemn these companies for prioritizing profits over legal compliance and public welfare. While these companies continue to collect hefty commissions, poor, unemployed youth are being misled into thinking bike taxi operations are legal. </p><p>"When caught by enforcement authorities, it is the drivers who face penalties, pushing them further into poverty and economic distress. We are ready to fully cooperate with the government to curb illegal practices by platform companies. </p><p>"We stand with the poor workers but firmly oppose illegal operations that compromise safety, legality, and state revenue. We urge the government to act swiftly before this illegality grows further. Companies cannot be allowed to exploit legal loopholes while poor drivers bear the consequences," said TGPWU Founder President, Shaik Salauddin.</p> .<p>TGPWU emphasised that targeting poor drivers is unjust and the real culprits are the companies promoting illegal operations.</p><p>TGPWU demanded urgent intervention by the Telangana Transport Minister and department to clarify and enforce the law. Strict penalties on companies like Rapido, Ola, and Uber if they continue allowing private (white plate) vehicles to operate on their platforms and immediate halt to illegal bike taxi operations in Telangana.</p>
<p>Hyderabad: Following Karnataka, there is demand growing in Hyderabad to ban bike taxi services. Supporters of the ban argue that motorcycles with white registration plates are operating illegally as taxis, leaving unsuspecting drivers vulnerable to fines and penalties from RTA authorities. </p><p>The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union (TGPWU) estimates that between 60,000 and 70,000 bike taxis operate on Hyderabad's roads. </p><p>The state transport department maintains its firm position that two-wheelers with white number plates, designated for personal use, cannot be used for commercial purposes.</p><p>However, ride-hailing companies continue to openly violate this regulation by allowing private vehicles to operate as bike taxis on their platforms, said TGPWU.</p> .Bike taxi ban has hit over 6 lakh families, Karnataka HC told .<p>Critics argue that this practice misleads economically vulnerable drivers and compromises public safety. The unregulated nature of these bike taxi services means they lack proper verification procedures and adequate insurance coverage, putting passengers at significant risk.</p><p>TGPWU expressed deep concern over the continued alleged illegal operations of bike taxis in Telangana by companies such as Rapido, Ola, and Uber, despite clear rules prohibiting such activities.</p> .<p>“Unlicensed commercial activity disrupts traffic management and road safety. The state government is losing substantial revenue from commercial registration fees, taxes, and permits. We strongly condemn these companies for prioritizing profits over legal compliance and public welfare. While these companies continue to collect hefty commissions, poor, unemployed youth are being misled into thinking bike taxi operations are legal. </p><p>"When caught by enforcement authorities, it is the drivers who face penalties, pushing them further into poverty and economic distress. We are ready to fully cooperate with the government to curb illegal practices by platform companies. </p><p>"We stand with the poor workers but firmly oppose illegal operations that compromise safety, legality, and state revenue. We urge the government to act swiftly before this illegality grows further. Companies cannot be allowed to exploit legal loopholes while poor drivers bear the consequences," said TGPWU Founder President, Shaik Salauddin.</p> .<p>TGPWU emphasised that targeting poor drivers is unjust and the real culprits are the companies promoting illegal operations.</p><p>TGPWU demanded urgent intervention by the Telangana Transport Minister and department to clarify and enforce the law. Strict penalties on companies like Rapido, Ola, and Uber if they continue allowing private (white plate) vehicles to operate on their platforms and immediate halt to illegal bike taxi operations in Telangana.</p>