Members of Bike Taxi Association stage a silent protest at Freedom Park, condemning assaults on bike taxi riders, in Bengaluru on March 19, 2023.
| Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR Ok
A 24-hour strike by drivers’ unions partially impacted autorickshaw companies in Bengaluru on March 20. Over 20 auto drivers’ unions, below the banner of Bangalore Auto Drivers’ Unions’ Federation, desire a ban on bike taxi companies supplied by cellular app-based aggregators.
The response to the strike call has been lukewarm up to now, in accordance to union representatives. App-based auto drivers have been working in the town since morning.
Srinivas C.N., member of Bangalore Auto Drivers’ Union’s Federation, advised The Hindu, “Despite calling for a strike today, app-based auto drivers have been operating as usual. Only a few have supported the strike so far, and we have a protest at 11.30 a.m. After that, we will get a clear picture.”
Auto drivers have been demanding a ban on bike taxi companies supplied by cellular app-based aggregators in Bengaluru. Drivers allege that aggregators are offering ‘illegal’ bike taxi companies with out acquiring a licence from the Transport Department. Drivers allege that lakhs of households depend on revenue generated by working autorickshaws, and the unlawful bike taxi enterprise is consuming into their income.
“If bike taxi services continue, they will destroy the livelihood of auto drivers in a few days. Bike taxis use white boards, and hence are operating illegally. I request all auto drivers to join the strike for a better future for all auto drivers,” Mr Srinivas mentioned.
On March 20, auto drivers had been to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding a direct ban on bike taxis after a rally from KSR Bengaluru Railway station to the official residence of the CM on Race Course Road. However, the town police detained auto drivers who had been protesting.
A couple of drivers allegedly compelled their colleagues, who had been catering to commuters, to cease the service and help the strike.
Earlier, Transport Commissioner S.N. Siddaramappa had mentioned, “The issue related to aggregators is pending in the Karnataka High Court. The court had directed the department not to take any coercive action.”
