Bengaluru: Popular aggregator platforms Uber and Ola have withdrawn their bike taxi services in the city following a Karnataka High Court clarification that it has not permitted the resumption of such operations. The development, announced on Monday, has left thousands of daily commuters scrambling for alternatives.
Court reiterates state’s authority
The High Court, while hearing a plea by ride-hailing companies Rapido, Uber, and Ola, reiterated that the state government retains complete authority to regulate or act against bike taxi operations under existing laws. The statement prompted Uber and Ola to suspend their bike taxi services immediately.
Rapido, however, continues to operate under the name “Bike Direct,” though legal experts caution that its status remains uncertain until a clear regulatory framework is introduced.
Commuters face fresh challenges
For Bengaluru’s commuters, the halt in bike taxi services is a major setback. Over the past few years, bike taxis had emerged as a lifeline, particularly for students, daily wage workers, and office-goers navigating the city’s infamous traffic. Affordable and time-saving, the service bridged crucial last-mile connectivity gaps where buses or metros were not easily accessible.
With the suspension, travel costs are expected to rise, while travel times could increase substantially. Many residents fear this will worsen congestion, as more people may be forced to rely on private vehicles or autos.
Policy uncertainty persists
The uncertainty around bike taxis has been ongoing since earlier this year when the Karnataka High Court declared them illegal in the absence of a regulatory framework under the Motor Vehicles Act.
In June, the court refused to stay its earlier ruling, forcing aggregators to halt services. On August 20, the court once again directed the state government to clarify its stance on bike taxis, observing that “lives are at stake in this matter.” Although the bench refrained from granting relief to companies, platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido briefly resumed services citing strong commuter demand. This revival has now come to an abrupt halt.
Riders and drivers caught in limbo
The sudden withdrawal has hit bike taxi drivers especially hard. Many of them depend entirely on this sector for income. The Bike Taxi Welfare Association of Karnataka, which represents over 12,000 riders in Bengaluru and nearly six lakh across the state, has described the suspension as a “livelihood crisis.”
Last week, a delegation of drivers met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi to raise their concerns. They highlighted how constant policy flip-flops have left them in financial distress, with many unable to pay EMIs on their vehicles or cover daily expenses.
“Most of us are young workers who depend solely on bike taxis. Every time services stop, our lives are thrown into uncertainty,” said an association member.
Way forward for Karnataka
The state government has yet to announce a clear policy framework for bike taxis, though officials have indicated that a regulatory mechanism is being studied. Until then, aggregators remain bound by the court’s directions and risk penalties for operating without approval.
Transport experts argue that given Bengaluru’s massive traffic challenges, bike taxis play a crucial role in urban mobility. They suggest the government explore a legalised framework that prioritises safety, affordability, and accountability rather than outright bans.
Conclusion
The suspension of Uber and Ola’s bike taxi services underscores the policy vacuum around this mode of transport in Karnataka. While commuters face longer and costlier journeys, thousands of drivers remain in limbo, awaiting government clarity. As the debate continues, Bengaluru’s struggle with traffic and last-mile connectivity remains unresolved.