Karnataka Bans Bike Taxis: Safety Over Speed?

An expert panel has advised the Karnataka government to maintain the ban on bike-taxi services, deeming them illegal and unsafe. The committee highlighted that these services operate outside the legal framework, lacking crucial insurance and permits required under the Motor Vehicles Act. This regulatory vacuum, coupled with their contribution to Bengaluru's already severe traffic congestion, spurred the recommendation for a continued prohibition.

The panel further pointed out that approximately 18% of bike-taxi riders are college students, raising concerns about potential harm to academic performance and long-term career prospects. To address this, the report advocates for increasing investment in public transportation to improve last-mile connectivity across the state. It also suggests integrating these riders into legitimate gig-economy roles within the delivery and services sector, adhering to the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers Act for their welfare.

This recommendation follows the Karnataka government's recent submission to the High Court, stating that motorcycles cannot be classified as transport vehicles. The court is currently hearing petitions from ride-sharing companies challenging previous orders that halted bike-taxi operations. The panel's report has been submitted to the court, with a subsequent hearing scheduled.