'Commuting will become a nightmare': Karnataka's bike taxi ban triggers outcry

Intense backlash swept across Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru, as bike taxi services ceased operations. The High Court’s refusal to stay a state government ban has ignited fierce criticism, with #KarnatakaWantsBikeTaxis trending online. Many critics of the ban took to X to write that it strikes a major blow to a mode of transport that had become a “functional fix” for the city’s traffic woes and a vital source of income for many.

What happened

Bike taxi services are banned across Karnataka starting today, June 16. The Karnataka High Court on Friday, June 13, refused to stay the state government’s order, effectively upholding the prohibition. This ruling came after a major player in the bike taxi sector challenged the ban. The court upheld the Transport Department’s stance that such services are illegal without a proper policy under the Motor Vehicles Act, which the state government confirmed it does not have.

Ban to affect 6,00,000 gig workers

Beyond commuters, the ban deals a severe blow to gig workers. A bike taxi aggregator had informed the court that the prohibition would affect over 6,00,000 riders across Karnataka, many depending on the platforms for their primary income, earning an average of ₹35,000 per month.

What the ban means for commuters

The ban on bike taxis removes an often essential mode of transport for Bengaluru residents, who relied on bike taxis for:

• Quick travel through traffic: Bike taxis offered a nimble way to navigate Bengaluru’s notorious congestion
• Affordable fares: They were often a cheaper alternative to auto-rickshaws or cabs for short to medium distances
• Last-mile connectivity: Bridging gaps in public transport, especially for reaching Metro stations or bus stops from residential areas
• Flexibility: Easily available via apps, offering on-demand service