Over 1,00,000 bike taxi riders in Karnataka have written to Rahul Gandhi, urging him to intervene against the blanket ban, saying, “Help us earn our daily bread with dignity” as their livelihoods are at risk.
Members of the Namma Bike Taxi Association in Karnataka have reached out to Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, requesting his support to safeguard the livelihoods of countless independent workers in the state.
Starting Monday, bike taxis will be prohibited from operating in Karnataka after the High Court declined to stay the state government’s ban.
The Association stated in their letter to Rahul Gandhi,
“Over 1,00,000 gig workers in Bengaluru and across Karnataka are losing our right to earn and feed our families because of a blanket ban on bike taxi services. As their collective voice, this is an appeal to you to stop this ban and help us earn our daily bread with dignity,”
Referring to media reports, the Association highlighted that the state government has no plans to regulate bike taxis and will soon initiate actions against riders, labeling their operations as illegal.
The letter continued,
“We, bike taxi drivers, are students, daily-wage earners, helpers, parents – many of us turned to this work when other jobs were not available, especially after COVID. Some of us work all 7 days, covering 10-12 hours a day, just to feed our families. We ride in the hot sun, heavy rain, and traffic to keep the city moving. This is how we pay rent, school fees, and medical bills. Bike taxis are not a side income. They are how we survive,”
While criticisms of bike taxis often focus on safety, helmet quality, and accident risks, the Association argued that rather than implementing clear regulations for licensing, training, and insurance, the Transport Department has opted to ban their source of income without considering the consequences for drivers.
The letter read,
“Under your leadership, Karnataka has brought important steps for gig workers: social security rules, welfare boards, insurance. These gave us hope. But today, this hope is breaking. What is the use of benefits if we are not even allowed to work?”
They also noted that the ban would negatively impact commuters.
The Association asked,
“Many use bike taxis for quick, low-cost rides. These are the only affordable rides for thousands, especially where buses are few. We do nearly 8 crore trips in a year. Who will help these riders now?”
In closing, the Association urged the government to reconsider its decision.
They expressed,
“Talk to us. Help us find a way so that passengers can travel safely, rules are followed, and our families can survive,”
Earlier, Karnataka High Court on Friday refused to stay a single-judge decision that ordered a suspension of bike taxi operations in Karnataka until the State formulates a comprehensive policy to regulate them.
The Court indicated that it might have considered a stay on the single-judge ruling if the State had indicated it was in the process of creating new regulations and there was a delay on their part.
However, since the State had decided against permitting bike taxis, the Bench declined to stay the single-judge’s order, acknowledging that the issue affects the livelihoods of bike taxi drivers and serves the public interest.