Karnataka to launch auto, taxi booking app like Ola and Uber: minister Ramalinga Reddy

The transport department will also request the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited to set up autorickshaw stands at all stations, the minister said.

Reddy held the meetings with the unions to address their grievances about the road tax and the Shakti scheme giving free rides for women on state-run buses, against which they had planned a Bengaluru bandh. The July 27 bandh was called off after a meeting between the unions and the minister.

Reddy acknowledged their concerns and said he would take them up with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The transport unions have demands such as compensation for autorickshaw and taxi drivers and the extension of the Shakti scheme to private buses, with reimbursements for tickets issued to women. They also seek a ban on illegal bike taxis in Bengaluru and want aggregators charging more than 5 per cent commission to be restricted.

The union representatives expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that the government had historically neglected the private transport sector and that the Shakti scheme had only added to their woes.

Radhakrishna Holla, president of the Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association, said the private sector made a significant contribution to the state, providing approximately 20 lakh jobs and contributing Rs 2,000 crore in taxes annually.

However, with the Shakti scheme in place, many self-employed lower middle-class people, such as autorickshaw and taxi drivers, are struggling to support their families and manage vehicle and house rents, he said.