Rahul Gandhi Asked to Support Legalisation of Bike Taxis in Karnataka

The Bike Taxi Welfare Association of Karnataka has reached out to Rahul Gandhi, seeking his assistance in addressing a significant livelihood issue affecting numerous riders. The association is urging the Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha to help establish a regulatory framework for bike taxis and provide immediate relief to drivers until such measures are implemented.

During a meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, the association's representatives presented their concerns to Gandhi. They highlighted the urgent need for a clear policy under the Motor Vehicles Act and protection for riders from punitive actions while awaiting government regulations. The association's president, Adi Narayan, emphasized that over 12,000 riders in Bengaluru and more than six lakh across Karnataka rely on bike taxi services for their income.

Legal Challenges Facing Bike Taxi Services

Currently, bike taxi services in Karnataka face legal challenges due to the absence of a regulatory framework. Although platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido resumed operations on August 21, they did so without prior approval from the Karnataka High Court. The state transport department has hinted at potential legal action against these aggregators.

Earlier this year, the Karnataka High Court declared bike taxis illegal because there was no regulatory structure in place. In April, the court directed the state government to stop such services, and by June, the ban was enforced after the bench refused to grant a stay.

Rahul Gandhi's Assurance Sparks Hope

The delegation expressed optimism following their meeting with Rahul Gandhi. "Rahul Gandhi patiently heard the delegation and assured his support to bike taxi drivers, most of them young workers struggling to make ends meet. His assurance has ignited fresh hope for over six lakh drivers and their families," stated a press release from the association.

The plea for support comes as the high court continues to urge the state government to formulate a policy for bike taxis. On August 20, during hearings involving ride-hailing platforms, the court reiterated its call for policy development, stressing that "lives are at stake in this matter." However, interim relief was not granted to aggregators.

Seeking Political Support for Policy Change

Amidst these challenges, the Bike Taxi Welfare Association hopes that political backing from Rahul Gandhi will prompt action from the Karnataka government. They aim for a policy decision that aligns legal compliance with safeguarding livelihoods for thousands of riders across the state.

This ongoing situation highlights the critical need for regulatory clarity in Karnataka's bike taxi sector. As stakeholders await decisive action from authorities, many riders continue facing uncertainty regarding their primary source of income.