Seized bike taxis in Bengaluru on July 5, 2024Bowing to the demands of auto rickshaw drivers in Bengaluru, Karnataka transport department seized 133 bike taxis, including 29 electric ones, across the city on July 5.
This includes 29 electric bike taxis.
We took action against electric bike taxis for operating without a licence.
We booked other petrol-run bike taxis for violations of rules, including not having insurance, emission certificates, documents etc under Motor Vehicles Rules."
Also, read: After auto drivers' protest, Karnataka transport department to crack down on bike taxis in BengaluruAt present, Rapido and Uber operate petrol-run bike taxis, while Ola operates electric bike taxis in Bengaluru.
Seized bike taxis in Bengaluru on July 5, 2024
Bowing to the demands of auto rickshaw drivers in Bengaluru, Karnataka transport department seized 133 bike taxis, including 29 electric ones, across the city on July 5.
"The transport department conducted a special drive on July 5 by forming special squads across Bengaluru city to check on electric bike taxis and booked 133 vehicles that were plying unauthorisedly, including 29 electric bikes," a statement from the transport department said.
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Additional Commissioner for Transport (Enforcement-South), C. Mallikarjuna, told Moneycontrol: "We seized a total of 133 bike taxis across the city on July 5. This includes 29 electric bike taxis. We took action against electric bike taxis for operating without a licence. We booked other petrol-run bike taxis for violations of rules, including not having insurance, emission certificates, documents etc under Motor Vehicles Rules."
The move comes after auto rickshaw and cab drivers staged a massive protest and besieged the transport department head office in Shanti Nagar, Bengaluru, on July 4, demanding action against bike taxis.
Also, read: After auto drivers' protest, Karnataka transport department to crack down on bike taxis in Bengaluru
At present, Rapido and Uber operate petrol-run bike taxis, while Ola operates electric bike taxis in Bengaluru. Aggregators were not available for comment.
Additional Commissioner for Transport (Enforcement-South) C Mallikarjuna issued an order dated July 4, directing all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Bengaluru to form special enforcement teams to crack down on unauthorised bike taxis.
However, transport department's action contrasts with the high court's order to take action against those obstructing bike taxi services.
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In April 2024, the Karnataka High Court directed the state government to protect bike taxi operators by taking strict action against any individuals or entities found unlawfully obstructing bike taxi riders from carrying out their services.
Also, read: Take action against those obstructing bike taxi services: Karnataka HC to state
