Bike taxi gets court nod, government faces fresh pressure to frame clear rules

After months of opposition, auto and cab associations now demand a proper legal framework for bike taxis, placing new regulatory responsibility on the state government.

The bike taxi debate in Karnataka has entered a new phase, creating fresh challenges for the state government. After prolonged opposition to bike taxi services, auto and taxi associations have now changed their stand and are demanding a clear legal framework to regulate bike taxis, similar to autos and cabs.

Earlier, the State Transport Department had imposed restrictions on bike taxi operations, citing the absence of a specific legal framework. Aggregator platforms challenged this decision in court, arguing that bike taxis are a viable mode of last-mile connectivity and employment. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court permitted bike taxi services to continue and directed the government to frame proper rules and regulations.

Following this court order, private cab and auto unions have approached the government with a fresh set of demands. They have urged the state to bring bike taxis under a strict regulatory system to ensure discipline, safety, and fairness in the transport sector.

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According to these associations, bike taxis should not be allowed to operate with white number plates. Instead, all bike taxis must carry yellow commercial number plates, similar to autos and taxis. They have also demanded that bike taxis follow a uniform colour code, just like autos and cabs, to ensure easy identification and accountability.

Safety norms form a major part of their demands. The associations have insisted that bike taxi riders must wear a uniform while on duty and that both the rider and passenger should compulsorily wear full helmets. They have also called for bike taxis to be brought under the commercial tax system, arguing that equal taxation is necessary to maintain a level playing field.

The unions maintain that bike taxis should function in a disciplined and regulated manner, rather than operating without clear oversight. Their argument is that unregulated services affect the livelihood of existing auto and cab drivers who follow strict government rules.

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With the court allowing bike taxis and asking the government to frame regulations, the responsibility now lies with the state to balance public convenience, road safety, and the concerns of traditional transport operators. The government is expected to study these demands and come out with clear rules that define how bike taxi services will operate in the state.