Over 5,000 bike taxi drivers in state went to Bengaluru's Vidhana Soudha for requesting the government to lift the blanket ban on bike taxis and implement an appropriate regulatory policy at the earliest. Riders from towns, namely, Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan, Davanagere, Tumakuru, Ramanagara, Shivamogga and Kanakapura participated in the protest on Saturday, which was peaceful. The protesters underscored that this was a fight for their survival.
"By driving bike taxi, I could earn a living for my family. But, there is no money now, and each day is a new struggle. We are not able to arrange meals for ourselves and my child's school fee is pending," said Ramesh, a rider.
Riders claim that the ban has ruined the lives of over six lakh people in Karnataka who survived on bike taxis. Most families are now struggling with poverty, unable to buy groceries, pay rent or maintain children at school.
Even commuters have been affected. With the absence of bike taxis, fares have increased and last-mile connectivity has taken a hit in several cities and towns.
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Bike taxi riders have argued that Karnataka must take cues from 19 other states that have already implemented policies for safe and regulated bike taxi operations. They say that a well-framed policy in Karnataka could ensure commuter safety, regulate driver conduct, and restore jobs to lakhs of struggling families.
Priya, a Mandya rider, also commented, "This is not about earning money, it's to keep our families surviving. We are willing to abide by any rules. We just want a policy that allows us to work."
A delegation of 110 bike taxi riders belonging to the Namma Bike Taxi Association handed over a petition to state Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Thursday seeking legal recognition for bike taxis, news agency ANI quoted.
At the meeting with Gundu Rao and others, the delegation accused auto unions of intimidation and harassment. They claimed that union president Mohammad Salim was not allowed to protest against the ban on bike taxis due to so-called pressure from the auto unions.
"My phone doesn't stop ringing. Between 250 to 300 drivers phone me daily, requesting assistance. I don't know what to explain to them. We should lose our means of livelihood because the government lacks a policy on bike taxis? We don't want disorder. We want regulation, not prohibition," Salim explained.
The conference was preceded by a series of open letters to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Rahul Gandhi. So far, none of the leaders have reacted to the letters, reports say.
"Karnataka had more than eight crore bike taxi trips last year. We are not seeking favours. We are seeking to work legally and safely," Salim added.
The Karnataka High Court, in April, confirmed an earlier government decree declaring the activities of bike taxi platforms such as Rapido, Ola, and Uber Moto illegal in the state, citing the absence of a clear regulatory structure. The ban became effective on June 16 after the High Court declined to overturn its decision, affecting the livelihood of six lakh individuals.
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Bike taxi riders have been in trouble ever since the ban on bike taxis was implemented. A 37-year-old rider stated, "I've borrowed twice already this month. My daughter's school is requesting fees, and I have nothing left."
An additional 26-year-old rider, who works for Ola and Uber, said, "Delivery partners use the same bike to deliver food--but I get fined for giving someone a ride. Where's the logic in that?"
The ripple effect of the ban has affected commuters and they now have to pay more for the ride.
Although Centre issued the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020, acknowledging bike taxis, Karnataka still hasn't set the standards. An Electric Bike Taxi Policy had been issued by the state in 2021 but didn't see the light of day last year without any explanation.
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