Latest news with #BikeTaxiWelfareAssociation
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Karnataka bike taxi riders on hunger strike, say 'we're ready to follow rules, just give us a fair system'
Bike taxi riders across Karnataka are on an indefinite hunger strike, demanding that the state government lift its ban on bike taxi services. The protest, led by the Bike Taxi Welfare Association , has spread to cities such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Davangere, and Ramanagara since Sunday. Earlier, in a letter addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on 27 June, the association urged the government to establish a clear and inclusive regulatory framework. They said the ban had taken away the primary source of income for thousands of gig workers who depended on bike taxi services for their livelihood. 'We are not asking for favours, just a chance to be heard,' the letter stated, adding that many riders are now unemployed and struggling to meet their basic needs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Who are the riders? According to the association, most bike taxi riders come from financially weaker backgrounds. They include students, daily-wage workers who lost other jobs, and women returning to work after the pandemic. Riders say the job's flexibility and low entry cost made it ideal, especially in areas where other employment is hard to find. Riders question policy gaps Protesters are also questioning why the government allows two-wheelers for delivery services but not for carrying passengers. They say both are part of the gig economy and should be treated equally under the Motor Vehicles Act. Live Events 'There is no clear reason why we're treated differently from delivery riders. We're ready to follow rules, just give us a fair system,' the association wrote. Since the ban, the Transport Department has taken action by seizing vehicles. Some riders say they have been fined or harassed and that their earlier appeals to the government were ignored. The association warned that the strike would continue unless the government meets them for a proper discussion. 'A good policy must include the voices of those affected on the ground,' the letter said. Legal challenge highlights monopoly concerns At the same time, two bike owners have approached the court to challenge the Karnataka High Court's recent decision banning bike taxis without proper guidelines. Their lawyer, senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, argued that the state is creating a monopoly for existing transport operators by refusing to register two-wheelers for public transport or issue relevant permits. He told the court that such decisions go against the spirit of the Motor Vehicles Act, which encourages open and fair markets. Aggregators halt operations In April, the Karnataka High Court said that bike taxis could not operate without formal rules under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act. This decision came into effect on 16 June, forcing major aggregators like Rapido, Uber, and Ola to halt bike taxi services in the state. Inputs from agencies
Indian Express
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Bike taxi riders on hunger strike across Karnataka, seek withdrawal of ban
Several bike taxi riders across Karnataka have launched an indefinite hunger strike demanding the withdrawal of the government's ban on bike taxis. The protest, which has spread across cities such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Davangere, and Ramanagara since Sunday, is being led by the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, which has submitted an open letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy. In the letter dated June 27, the association appealed for a clear and inclusive regulatory framework, stating that the ban had stripped thousands of gig workers of their primary source of income. The letter noted that bike taxis had become a widely used last-mile mobility option in urban and semi-urban areas over the last few years. 'We are not asking for favours. We are asking to be heard,' the letter said, highlighting that many riders were now left without any livelihood options and were facing severe financial distress. According to the association, a significant number of bike taxi riders are from economically weaker backgrounds–students, former daily-wage workers, and women who have returned to work post-pandemic. Riders claim that the flexibility and accessibility of the profession have made it a viable source of income in regions where formal employment opportunities are limited. The protesters have questioned the rationale behind allowing two-wheelers for delivery services while penalising those offering passenger rides on similar vehicles. They argue that both fall under the gig economy and the Motor Vehicles Act, and have called the current policy stance inconsistent. 'There is no clarity on why passenger transport by bike taxis is treated differently from delivery services. We are ready to comply with rules but need a fair framework,' said the association in its letter. The ban on bike taxis in Karnataka has led to enforcement actions and vehicle seizures by transport department officials. Some riders allege they have been fined and harassed and that repeated appeals to the government have gone unanswered. The association has warned that unless the government engages in dialogue with stakeholders and comes up with a workable solution, the protest will continue. 'A policy that includes voices from the ground will be better informed and practical,' the letter stated. Meanwhile, the counsel representing two bike owners in a case challenging the Karnataka High Court order to suspend bike taxi operations argued last week that refusing to register vehicles as transport vehicles or issue contract carriage permits for motorcycles would create a monopoly for existing operators. 'By refusing to register vehicles as transport vehicles or issue contract-carriage permits for motorcycles, the state is effectively denying citizens their right to carry on a lawful business. This creates a monopoly for existing operators and stifles competition, contrary to the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act's liberal objectives. The market should determine viability through demand and supply, not state intervention,' argued senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa before a bench of Justices Kameswar Rao and C M Joshi. In April, the Karnataka High Court ruled that bike taxis cannot be permitted to operate without proper notification of guidelines under section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act. With the order coming into effect on June 16, aggregators Rapido, Uber, and Ola have stopped bike taxi operations in the state.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bike-taxi captains start hunger strike in Karnataka, demand end to ban
Bengaluru: With livelihoods at stake, bike-taxi captains from across Karnataka launched a hunger strike Sunday, demanding the govt lift the ongoing ban on their operations. Around 30 captains gathered near Central College campus in Bengaluru, threatening to continue their protest until their voices are heard. The captains said the ban has pushed thousands into joblessness and poverty. For many daily wagers and students, bike taxis were a vital source of income. Protesters also questioned the govt's double standards — allowing two-wheelers for deliveries, but penalising them for passenger transport under Motor Vehicles Act. Kotappa C, 55, a captain from Marathahalli, said: "This was my only livelihood for the past five years. I saved about Rs 1,500 daily. Now, I can't pay rent or fees. At my age, delivery work is not an option. We won't stop until the ban is lifted." You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Prethi Raj, a 24-year-old student from Kolar, used his evening bike-taxi earnings to fund his education. "I rode every day after college. Now I don't know how I'll pay my semester fees or buy books. We're not doing anything wrong — just providing a service," he said. The Bike Taxi Welfare Association submitted appeals to the chief minister and transport minister, urging immediate relief. In an open letter, it highlighted the financial distress caused by the ban and asked the govt to regulate, not outlaw, the sector. Anil Kumar, the association's vice-president, said: "People from across the state depend on this for survival. The public, too, is unhappy with the ban." President Adi Narayana added the govt must evolve with the times. "Bike-taxis are essential for last-mile connectivity. Telling us to switch to deliveries is not a solution. We need support, not silence," he opined.
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Business Standard
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Karnataka bike taxi ban: Riders hold hunger protest, write letter to CM
According to the association, protests were held in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Davangere, and Ramanagara, with several bike taxi riders participating Press Trust of India Bengaluru Members of the Bike Taxi Welfare Association staged a hunger protest on Sunday, demanding to lift the ban on bike taxis in Karnataka and calling for an inclusive policy framework. They have also written an open letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. According to the association, protests were held in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Davangere, and Ramanagara, with several bike taxi riders participating. App-based bike taxi services were suspended across Karnataka on June 16 after the Karnataka High Court refused to stay an earlier order suspending such operations unless the state government notifies relevant guidelines under the Motor Vehicles Act. A division bench of the High Court, on June 13, had declined to stay the April 2 order given by a single judge, which directed bike taxi operators to stop services within six weeks. This deadline was later extended to June 15. "Sir, we, who ride through rain and sun to serve Karnataka, are writing this letter not out of anger but out of desperation. For many of us, this work is the only thing standing between dignity and destitution," the association's letter to the Chief Minister stated. The association said many riders have been left without work or alternatives, pushing them into extreme hardship. Some members have even been forced to beg on the streets to feed their families. "In a final plea to be heard, we are now preparing to go on an indefinite hunger strike if our voices continue to be ignored. This is not out of protest, but sheer helplessnesshoping someone will listen before it's too late," they added. Nearly 80 per cent of the riders are local Kannadigas from modest backgrounds, the association said. "We are students, single mothers, homemakers, and former migrant workers who have returned to our home state to work and contribute meaningfully. The flexibility this work offers has empowered lakhs, especially in areas where other livelihood options are limited." The association also expressed frustration over what they called unequal treatment of their profession. While two-wheelers are allowed for food and parcel delivery under white number plates, those providing passenger rides on similar vehicles face penalties and harassment, they said. "Both jobs are part of the gig economy, governed by the same Motor Vehicles Act. This inconsistency feels unjust and discriminatory. We ask only for equal treatment under a clear, inclusive policy framework. We are ready to comply with all guidelines, but we seek clarity, dignity, and the right to earn a livelihood," the letter read. Bike taxis have become essential for commuters who rely on them for affordable and reliable last-mile transport, the association pointed out. The bike taxis are essential for commuters who rely on them daily for affordable and reliable last-mile transport, it added. "Sir, we are not asking for favours. We are asking to be heard. A policy shaped with our voices included will be grounded in reality, sustainable in implementation, and fair to all stakeholdersthe government, platforms, riders, and the people of Karnataka," the open letter to Siddaramaiah stated. Over the past 7-8 years, bike taxis have become a vital part of the transport ecosystem, especially in densely populated cities like Bengaluru and in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns such as Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi, and Ballari, the association noted. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Print
29-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Bike taxi ban in Karnataka: Riders hold hunger protest, write open letter to CM
App-based bike taxi services were suspended across Karnataka on June 16 after the Karnataka High Court refused to stay an earlier order suspending such operations unless the state government notifies relevant guidelines under the Motor Vehicles Act. According to the association, protests were held in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya, Davangere, and Ramanagara, with several bike taxi riders participating. Bengaluru, June 29 (PTI) Members of the Bike Taxi Welfare Association staged a hunger protest on Sunday, demanding to lift the ban on bike taxis in Karnataka and calling for an inclusive policy framework. They have also written an open letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. A division bench of the High Court, on June 13, had declined to stay the April 2 order given by a single judge, which directed bike taxi operators to stop services within six weeks. This deadline was later extended to June 15. 'Sir, we, who ride through rain and sun to serve Karnataka, are writing this letter not out of anger but out of desperation. For many of us, this work is the only thing standing between dignity and destitution,' the association's letter to the Chief Minister stated. The association said many riders have been left without work or alternatives, pushing them into extreme hardship. Some members have even been forced to beg on the streets to feed their families. 'In a final plea to be heard, we are now preparing to go on an indefinite hunger strike if our voices continue to be ignored. This is not out of protest, but sheer helplessness—hoping someone will listen before it's too late,' they added. Nearly 80 per cent of the riders are local Kannadigas from modest backgrounds, the association said. 'We are students, single mothers, homemakers, and former migrant workers who have returned to our home state to work and contribute meaningfully. The flexibility this work offers has empowered lakhs, especially in areas where other livelihood options are limited.' The association also expressed frustration over what they called unequal treatment of their profession. While two-wheelers are allowed for food and parcel delivery under white number plates, those providing passenger rides on similar vehicles face penalties and harassment, they said. 'Both jobs are part of the gig economy, governed by the same Motor Vehicles Act. This inconsistency feels unjust and discriminatory. We ask only for equal treatment under a clear, inclusive policy framework. We are ready to comply with all guidelines, but we seek clarity, dignity, and the right to earn a livelihood,' the letter read. Bike taxis have become essential for commuters who rely on them for affordable and reliable last-mile transport, the association pointed out. The bike taxis are essential for commuters who rely on them daily for affordable and reliable last-mile transport, it added. 'Sir, we are not asking for favours. We are asking to be heard. A policy shaped with our voices included will be grounded in reality, sustainable in implementation, and fair to all stakeholders—the government, platforms, riders, and the people of Karnataka,' the open letter to Siddaramaiah stated. Over the past 7-8 years, bike taxis have become a vital part of the transport ecosystem, especially in densely populated cities like Bengaluru and in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns such as Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi, and Ballari, the association noted. PTI KSU SSK ADB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
