Bengaluru: In response to demands by auto and taxi drivers’ associations, Assistant Transport Commissioner Mallikarjun has announced the formation of specialized teams under ten Regional Transport Offices across Bengaluru. These teams will be responsible for cracking down on unapproved taxi services, including electric bike taxis, through legal means.
Union leaders submitted a list of 30 demands during their protest, which included requests for school cab permits, measures against commission scams by online aggregator companies, and special permit systems, among others. Despite ongoing legal challenges hindering the fulfillment of these demands, officials have pledged effective implementation post-resolution.
Notably, comprising officers and members from 32 different organizations, this unified protest reflects widespread dissatisfaction among various stakeholders within Bengaluru’s transportation industry.
Taking stock of this volatile situation, the Transport and Road Safety Commissioner has directed the formation of 11 specialized teams aimed at curtailing violations by unauthorized taxis, including operations of electric bike taxis across diverse regions such as Central, West, East, North, and South Regional Offices: Gnanabharati, K.R.Pura, Electronic City, Yelahanka, Chandapur, and Devanahalli Regional Offices.
Expressing concern over an estimated 30,000 illegal electric bike taxis operating within Bengaluru, President Nataraja Sharma highlighted persistent resolve until all unauthorized vehicles, especially those offering illegal passenger services, are effectively regulated. Additionally, union leaders are urging prompt government intervention to fulfill assurances made by authorities, as outlined in their extensive list of demands.