In a current improvement, the Karnataka authorities has determined to ban the operation of electrical bike taxi companies throughout the state. The choice comes within the wake of issues over the protection of ladies and violations of the Motor Autos Act.
The ban, as per a authorities order, stems from the remark of sure personal app-based firms misusing the Motor Autos Act by deploying non-transport autos (these with white quantity plates) as transport autos. This follow not solely violates laws but in addition poses dangers to passengers and pedestrians alike.
One of many main issues highlighted within the authorities order is the rising dispute between auto and taxi drivers relating to the operation of motorbike taxis. Moreover, the presence of those autos was discovered to be a possible risk to the protection of ladies, contributing to rising regulation and order issues within the state.
Transport Secretary NV Prasad emphasised the rampant misuse of the e-bike taxi scheme, citing cases the place common scooters and bikes had been being repurposed and operated as taxis. This misuse not solely undermined the meant goal of the scheme but in addition had antagonistic implications for public security and tax assortment for the transport division.
In keeping with a report by TOI, Prasad said, “The misuse of the scheme has worsened the regulation and order scenario and likewise posed a risk to the protection of ladies. Preserving all these items in thoughts, it has been determined to withdraw this scheme.”
A committee, chaired by the Managing Director of Bengaluru Metro Rail Company Restricted (BMRCL), submitted a report highlighting the failure of the bike taxi scheme to fulfill its meant targets. The report additionally identified that the scheme’s implementation had led to the proliferation of unauthorized two-wheelers and bikes being operated as taxis in Bengaluru.
