Karnataka Transport Department to Draft Bike Taxi Policy

Quick Summary

• Karnataka Transport Department has established a 10-member panel to study the functioning of bike taxis nationwide and draft a policy for the State.
• Two officials visited different cities in India to review how bike taxis are regulated, examining fare structures, safety measures, licensing norms, enforcement challenges, and app-based aggregator roles.
• A high-level committee chaired by N.V. Prasad (Secretary, Transport Department) has been formed to frame Karnataka’s bike taxi policy. It includes representatives from multiple departments such as DULT, BMTC, police forces, and pollution control authorities.
• Earlier this year, the State government banned bike taxi operations in Karnataka.
• In response to the ban, major aggregators like Rapido and Uber introduced Bike Direct-a zero-commission service connecting self-reliant drivers directly with customers.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The establishment of a dedicated panel reflects Karnataka’s intent to adopt a structured approach toward organizing and regulating bike taxi services after banning them earlier this year. Studying regulatory frameworks from other cities provides an opportunity for crafting policies that balance affordability for consumers with safety and operational compliance standards.

The involvement of diverse stakeholders-ranging from urban land transport authorities to pollution control bodies-suggests an emphasis on creating multifaceted legislation that aligns economic mobility solutions with environmental sustainability goals. This planning is notably significant given the rising demand for last-mile connectivity in urban centers like Bengaluru.

The recent introduction of zero-commission models by aggregators highlights industry adaptability but leaves questions regarding long-term viability without centralized oversight or formal integration into public transport systems. As deliberations progress within Karnataka’s framework-drafting committees, it may lead to better clarity on accommodating innovative mobility solutions while addressing concerns raised during previous bans.

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