A commuter utilizing a motorcycle taxi in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN
Following objections by autorickshaw unions, the Karnataka authorities has revoked the Electric Bike Taxi Scheme launched in 2021. The determination to terminate the Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi Scheme 2021 was introduced by the Transport Department by way of a notification on March 6.
The Electric Bike Taxi Scheme was initiated in July 2021 by the State Government, then led by the BJP, with the intention of enhancing first and last-mile connectivity.
The notification highlights attainable misuse of the scheme, and asserts that authorities have turn into conscious of violations, particularly the utilisation of non-transport bikes (with white boards) as bike taxis.
The notification mentions confrontations involving auto and taxi drivers concerning the operation of motorcycle taxis. It notes cases highlighting a menace to girls’s safety, elevating concerns about legislation and order.
According to the report from a committee led by the Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the bike taxi scheme had fallen wanting reaching its supposed outcomes.
Although Karnataka was the pioneer in implementing an electrical bike taxi coverage in 2021, auto drivers continued to advocate a ban on bike taxis. This resulted in incidents of blocking and intimidation of motorcycle taxi riders in Bengaluru.
A senior official stated, “The department has noted the blatant misuse of the e-bike taxi scheme. Instead of electric bike taxis, there is a prevalence of other bikes and scooters being utilised as bike taxis. This misuse by aggregators has resulted in significant law-and-order concerns and safety issues, particularly for women. Hence, the Transport Department has decided to withdraw the scheme.”
