Overview
- The Maharashtra State Transport Authority has granted provisional licences to Ola, Uber and Rapido to run bike taxis in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region with a minimum fare of Rs 15 for 1.5 km.
- Aaditya Thackeray argued that one-passenger bike taxis are impractical for mass commuting compared with BEST, which he said serves 30–35 lakh riders daily.
- He alleged possible favouritism, citing Rapido’s sponsorship of a minister’s relative’s event shortly before licences were approved, and questioned the shift from earlier raids on unlicensed operators.
- Thackeray said the fare structure burdens commuters and accused the government of weakening BEST through fare hikes, a shrinking fleet and the transfer of depots to private interests.
- Calling for investment in public infrastructure, he urged the state to improve road conditions and traffic enforcement and to prioritise strengthening BEST over expanding private services.