Bengaluru: RTO officials seize more than 80 electric bike taxis amidst protest by private transport organisations

The protests outside the Regional Transport Office (RTO) office in Shantinagar, Bengaluru by members associated with private road transport organisations has resulted in negative consequences for commuters using electric bikes. RTO officials have been taking proactive measures to curb electric bike taxis from being used across Bengaluru. On 6th March, 2024 the RTO had banned the usage of electric bike taxis. Its use however continued to prevail against guidelines. 

The RTO had promised the private road transport organisations about action being taken in this regard. To this effect, a dedicated operation in the East, South, West and North zones of the city was underway. More than 80 vehicles were seized. 

Also Read: Bengaluru EV infrastructure: BESCOM to install two EV chargers at RTO in HSR Layout

11 RTO offices were involved in these operations starting from 7:30 AM on 5th July. Cases have been filed with regard to the vehicles which were seized. Action will be initiated against those who have been found to be violating norms. Some of the commuters were reduced to tears in front of cameras while the vehicles were being seized. “They booked a ride using the Portal App. We were however caught upon arriving. We were asked to pay a fine to retrieve our vehicles,” Mustafa said in an interaction with reports outside an RTO office.