'We have nothing left': 6 lakh bike taxi drivers crushed by court ban in Karnataka

Bengaluru: Following the High Court directive to stop bike taxi services in Karnataka, drivers and their welfare association are at a crossroads about what lies ahead.

Bike taxi drivers are holding meetings to assess their options, as nearly six lakh drivers, as per the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, have been rendered jobless. Many are struggling to meet financial obligations.

"This decision has hit at least six lakh bike taxi drivers in the state. Since Monday, around 300 drivers have been visiting our office in HSR Layout daily, seeking help and advice. We are constantly in touch with them, trying to find a way forward. Shifting to other daily wage jobs will mean we will earn less than before," said Adhinarayana, president of the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, Bengaluru.

The association reportedly met Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy last month, but nothing came of it. "The government has the power to frame rules, but has not acted. This has affected both drivers and commuters who relied on us," he added.

Many drivers have been ferrying passengers for years, some since the ride-hailing service began in 2015.

Shivananda, a Belagavi native who moved to Bengaluru over 10 years ago, has worked as a bike taxi driver since 2018. "I was in a company for two years before that, earning Rs 12,000 a month, which was insufficient. I then worked as a food delivery executive for eight months, but the long hours and erratic pay of around Rs 800 daily was not working for me," he said. He earned nearly double this amount as a bike taxi driver.

"I have been sitting at home, desperately hoping something changes. I cannot work elsewhere as I failed my SSLC. I have to pay my vehicle's EMI, send money home, pay rent as well, but I am unable to manage now," said Vinayaka, another bike taxi driver.