The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations has warned of a potential strike unless the state government addresses four key demands, including a blanket ban on bike taxis. Federation President S. Nataraj Sharma reminded the government of the Bengaluru bandh on September 11, 2023, which had called for the fulfillment of 30 demands. While Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy had successfully addressed 24 of these requests, four major issues remain unresolved. Sharma added that Reddy had promised to raise the pending demands with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Key Demands Still Unmet

The federation’s main demands include:

  1. An ordinance to completely ban bike taxis.
  2. A reduction in road tax for buses.
  3. Strict action against rider aggregators.
  4. The implementation of “one city, one fare” and a separate law for internet-based goods transport companies.

Sharma emphasized the severe distress faced by private auto, taxi, goods vehicle, and bus owners, urging the government to prioritize these concerns.

Support from Auto Rickshaw Drivers

Additionally, the Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU) is organizing a night-long agitation on Thursday to highlight their own set of demands. These include:

  • A ban on bike taxis.
  • A Rs 500-crore budget allocation for the welfare of RTC drivers.
  • The revocation of what they call “anti-driver” provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
  • A ban on illegal ride-hailing firms.
  • A hike in auto fares.

Both associations are stressing the urgency of their demands, signaling growing frustration within the transport sector in Karnataka.

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