500 Detained as 2 Lakh Auto Drivers in Bengaluru Demand Ban on Bike Taxis
- ByStartupStory | March 21, 2023
On Monday (March 20), there was high drama in Bengaluru as auto rickshaw drivers took to the streets to demand a total prohibition on bike taxi operations in the city. The strike, which was organized by the Auto and Taxi Drivers Union and supported by 20 auto unions, resulted in a 24-hour cessation of services. Although The Hindu reported that there was only a partial impact on the roads, News Minute observed that several autos were still operating despite the unions’ call for a complete shutdown, bringing the city to a standstill
Reports suggest that auto drivers in Bengaluru staged protests by blocking roads in various parts of the city and even attempted to march from KSR Bengaluru Railway Station to the official residence of the Chief Minister. The situation escalated, leading to the Bengaluru Police detaining more than 500 protesting auto-rickshaw drivers from different locations within the city. However, a few demonstrators were released after 5 PM on Monday. Additionally, the protest resulted in allegations of overcharging by several commuters, who complained that auto drivers were demanding excessive fares to transport passengers.
State Transport Minister B Sriramulu has reportedly assured protesting auto rickshaw drivers in Bengaluru that they will not be troubled, stating that officials have been directed to take strict action against bike taxi services. The drivers have been calling for a complete prohibition on bike taxis, claiming that they are causing a negative impact on their livelihoods. The auto unions are seeking action against these “illegal” services, which they allege are exploiting young people and students by tempting them with incentives while endangering their lives. Auto drivers also argue that they are regulated by the state government, have to obtain permits, and pay taxes. In contrast, they assert that bike taxis have no such obligations and therefore offer cheaper rates to passengers.
Auto drivers in Bengaluru have raised concerns about unfair competition from bike taxis, stating that while they have to obtain permits, pay taxes, and comply with state government regulations, bike taxis are not bound by such obligations, which enables them to offer lower fares. Furthermore, the auto unions have also highlighted safety concerns associated with bike taxi rides, pointing to incidents like the alleged rape of a 23-year-old woman by a bike taxi driver and his accomplice in Bengaluru in November 2022. However, ride-hailing cab services have praised bike taxis for creating more employment opportunities in the city and as a complementary mode of transport that can ease traffic congestion.
The ongoing dispute between the Karnataka government and ride-hailing apps has spilled over to the bike taxi industry. The state government had previously banned auto services offered by ride-hailing players like Ola and Uber, which was later challenged in court by the companies. More recently, the state transport department sought to impose fare caps on auto aggregators, leading to a clash between the government and the ride-hailing apps. Against this backdrop, bike taxis have emerged as a cheaper and more convenient mode of transportation, particularly in urban areas where traffic congestion is a problem.
Rapido, Ola, and Uber dominate this sector and command the majority of the market share. However, tensions have risen between these companies and state governments, with the Delhi government recently banning bike taxi services. While the matter remains unresolved, it remains to be seen if the local government will bring bike taxis under its jurisdiction and establish a regulatory framework for this sector.
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