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2w ago

Karnataka Upholds Bike Taxi Ban as Drivers Lose Livelihoods and Commuters Face Fare Hikes

State authorities are probing unlicensed bike taxi apps rebranding rides as parcel services in response to soaring auto fares

Representative image.
An India CEO talks about the bike taxi culture of Vietnam (Representational image via Pexels)
The High Court had earlier ruled that bike taxi operations by aggregators were illegal.
Bike taxis were banned across Karnataka on Monday, after which Bengaluru commuters are reporting increased auto fares across ride hailing platforms.

Overview

  • Karnataka High Court’s order to halt bike taxi services took full effect on June 16, prompting RTO and police to seize more than 100 motorcycles used for unlicensed operations.
  • Rapido, Uber and other platforms have rebranded bike rides as “bike parcel” or “moto courier” services, triggering investigations by the Karnataka transport department into alleged contempt of court.
  • Over six lakh two-wheeler drivers in Karnataka have lost their primary source of income, with welfare associations reporting hundreds seeking legal and financial assistance daily.
  • Auto rickshaw fares in Bengaluru have jumped by up to ₹70, and commuters report longer wait times, congestion fees and tipping demands as four-wheel bookings surge.
  • The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for June 24, and stakeholders are urging the state government to establish a clear regulatory framework to formalize bike taxi operations.