Bike Taxi Association submits memorandum to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, says over 6 lakh livelihoods hang in the balance without a clear policy
Bengaluru: In a significant move, over 100 bike taxi drivers from across Karnataka, supported by the Bike Taxi Association (BTA), gathered peacefully at the office of Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Saturday to demand immediate regulation and recognition of bike taxi operations in the state.
The protest, though calm and coordinated, sent a strong message: without a clear legal framework, over 6 lakh riders—a majority of whom are local Kannadigas and include thousands of women—face an uncertain future.
“We demand that the government should recognize our right to work and include us in Karnataka's growth by formulating an inclusive policy.”
— Adi Narayanan, President, Bike Taxi Association (BTA)
Bike Taxis: The Backbone of Urban Mobility & Survival
The BTA, in its memorandum submitted to Minister Reddy, stated that more than 75% of the bike taxi riders depend entirely on this profession as their primary source of income. These services, they emphasised, not only support families but also promote sustainable urban mobility.
In Bengaluru alone, over 50 lakh trips are facilitated each month by these riders, serving more than 20 lakh commuters—a number that continues to rise with growing traffic congestion and last-mile connectivity issues.
“Many of us are proud Kannadigas, working hard every day to earn a respectable living. Bike taxis provide us the flexibility we need to support our families,”
said one of the riders during the demonstration.
Demand for Legal Clarity Under the Motor Vehicles Act
BTA President Adi Narayanan invoked Section 66 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, asserting that two-wheelers and bike taxis fall under the same regulatory provisions and hence must be accommodated in Karnataka’s transport policy with clear operational guidelines.
He further added that riders are ready to comply with licensing fees, taxes, and any documentation requirements, as long as they can continue their services legally without harassment or penalization.
“We’re not against rules. We’re asking for fair and transparent regulation. Give us the license, the permit—we’re ready to pay for it. But don’t take away our livelihoods,”
another rider from Mysuru said.
Majority Riders Are Local, Women Drivers Growing
Contrary to the common narrative, the BTA revealed that over 80% of Karnataka’s bike taxi drivers are local residents, with a growing number of women riders who see the profession as both flexible and dignified. For many, it’s the only reliable means of daily income.
The lack of a uniform policy, they say, has led to constant confusion, frequent police crackdowns, app removals, and income instability.
“For six years, we’ve worked with dignity. But without government recognition, every day feels like we’re criminals just for earning a living.”
Call for Inclusive, Sustainable Mobility Policy
The BTA’s memorandum concludes with a strong appeal for the government to urgently adopt a fair, inclusive, and sustainable regulatory framework for bike taxis, integrating them into Karnataka’s official urban transport ecosystem.
The ball is now in the state government’s court. Will Karnataka recognize these unsung heroes of urban transport—or continue to overlook the very riders that power its mobility revolution?
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