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Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on April 16, 2025
Bengaluru women bike taxi drivers urge Karnataka govt to reconsider ban on operations
The petition comes in response to the Karnataka High Court’s directive ordering all bike taxi operations to cease by mid-May owing to the absence of regulatory guidelines.
The petition comes after the Karnataka High Court’s April 2 directive ordering all bike taxi operations to cease by mid-May owing to the absence of regulatory guidelines under section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. (Express Photo)
Around 40 women bike taxi drivers from Bengaluru petitioned Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday urging the state government to reconsider its ban on bike taxi services.
The petition comes after the Karnataka High Court’s April 2 directive ordering all bike taxi operations to cease by mid-May owing to the absence of regulatory guidelines under section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. The court also stated that it could not compel the government to frame new regulations.
In their appeal, the drivers have 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 lack alternative options.
The move also follows the government’s decision in March 2024 to scrap its Electric Bike Taxi Scheme, citing safety concerns, misuse of non-transport vehicles, and ongoing conflicts with autorickshaw and cab drivers.
Transport Commissioner Yogesh AM told indianexpress.com that as per the high court’s directives, all bike taxi aggregators should cease their operations by May 14. However, the government has not clarified its next course of action if the aggregators fail to comply.
Earlier, days after the high court order, the Internet and Mobile Association of India, a not-for-profit body representing the digital services industry, urged the government to “urgently” form a joint committee to formulate bike taxi guidelines.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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