Bike taxis have become a popular mode of transportation in Chennai, offering a quick, efficient, and affordable way to travel short distances. They have become especially popular among students, office-goers, and people who need to get around the city quickly. However, the bike taxi services have faced heat and seizure from the Madurai police, claiming that they were operating without proper permission from authorities. Rapido, one of the aggregators, had its operations banned in Madurai.
However, in 2019, the Madras High Court had given permission for bike taxis to operate in Tamil Nadu until the state government comes up with legislation to regulate the service. The court order allows Rapido to operate in Tamil Nadu as it disclosed its business model with respect to providing ride-pooling services on 2-wheelers/privately registered 2 Wheelers. Thus, the ban against Rapido or the riders is tantamount to contempt of the orders of the Hon’ble High Court.
The ban has had a significant impact on the lives of people who rely on bike taxis as a mode of transportation. With bike taxis no longer available, people have to rely on other forms of transportation, such as auto-rickshaws or buses, which may not be as convenient or affordable. Furthermore, the ban has affected the livelihoods of bike taxi drivers who have lost their jobs. Many bike taxi drivers were self-employed and relied on their income to support their families. With the ban in place, they are now out of work and struggling to make ends meet.
The ban on bike taxis has sparked debates about the need for regulatory frameworks for the bike taxi industry to provide a safe and convenient mode of transportation for people. Overall, bike taxis have become a necessary mode of transportation in Chennai, and the ban on their services has had significant implications for people’s transportation options and the livelihoods of bike taxi drivers.
