Bike Taxi Ban Hits Livelihoods; Riders Plead for Fairness

The bike taxi ban has affected over six lakh families across the state with the riders left in the lurch. On Tuesday dozens of them were seen approaching those booking auto rickshaws on their apps and urging them to use them for whatever fare they would pay them.

In Banaswadi S Raghuram a bike taxi rider approached a passenger trying to hail a auto through Rapido and pleaded with him that he would drop the passenger for half the fare the ride hailing app was offering him’’.

Speaking to CH Raghuram said, “This is double standard in enforcement. While food and parcel deliveries using two-wheelers are permitted, the same vehicles used to transport passengers are penalised. We’re not asking for special treatment, another rider explained. We just want to be treated fairly. We just want to work.”

S Mudasar a bike taxi rider who was seen approaching passengers on Cunningham Road said, “How do we support our families the government has been unfair to us and we urge them to reconsider the ban. For the last few days since the ban came into force I approach those who wait for autos or trying to book a ride and offer them half the fare the autos charge. People have been sympathetic and have used my services what else can I do to feed my family of four,’’ he quipped.

Another rider in Jayanagar whose phone numbers have been shared on whatsapp groups who did not wish to be named said, “It is a tough time for all of us and I began approaching passengers to offer them a ride and have been lucky the men are willing to use my services but it’s a tough call with women most of whom who hail from outside Karnataka refusing to take a ride with me.”

M Revathi who has never been a bike taxi rider said, “I used to work for Blinkit and after the bike taxi ban some women approached me as they felt safe hitching a ride with me for me this has been a blessing in disguise as I am now over loaded with work in during the peak hours in the morning and evening.”