Women drivers to Karnataka govt: Reconsider ban on bike taxis

Bengaluru: Forty women bike taxi drivers from Bengaluru have submitted a petition to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, urging the state government to reconsider its decision to ban bike taxi services. 

The petition comes in response to the High Court of Karnataka's April 2 directive, which ordered all bike taxis to cease operations by mid-May due to the absence of regulatory guidelines under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The court stated that it could not compel the government to frame new regulations. 

In their appeal, the riders requested the creation of a clear regulatory framework, temporary permits for compliant operators and consultations with stakeholders to help shape inclusive policies. Many of the women rely on bike taxis as their primary source of income and expressed concern over the lack of alternative options, according to a press release. 

In March 2024, the government scrapped its electric bike taxi scheme, citing safety concerns, misuse of non-transport vehicles and ongoing conflicts with auto and cab drivers.