After Karnataka, Hyderabad May Ban Bike Taxis Too

Hyderabad's motorcycle taxi industry is under scrutiny as worker organisations push for a complete shutdown of these services. The controversy centres on thousands of personal motorcycles being used illegally for commercial rides. A local workers' union reports that roughly 60,000 to 70,000 motorcycle taxis currently work in the city. These vehicles carry white license plates, which are meant only for personal transportation, not business use.

State transport officials maintain a clear stance that personal vehicles cannot legally operate as commercial taxis. Despite this rule, major ride-sharing apps continue accepting these motorcycles on their platforms. The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union points to companies like Rapido, Ola, and Uber as violators of transport laws. Union leaders say these firms knowingly allow illegal operations while collecting fees from drivers.

(Also Read: Bike Taxi Services In Maharashtra Delayed)

Workers' advocates highlight several problems with unregulated motorcycle taxis. Drivers lack proper commercial licenses and insurance coverage, while passengers face higher risks due to inadequate safety checks. The state loses significant revenue from unpaid commercial registration fees, and traffic enforcement becomes more difficult. When authorities catch drivers using personal vehicles for taxi work, the individual operators face fines and penalties. Meanwhile, the platforms continue operating without consequences.

Shaik Salauddin, who leads the workers' union, explains their stance that they support drivers trying to earn money but oppose illegal business practices. The union argues that companies exploit legal gaps while leaving drivers to face punishment. The organization wants immediate government action through heavy penalties for platforms that allow illegal operations, clear enforcement of existing transport laws, and protection for drivers from company exploitation.

(Also Read: Bike Taxis Banned In Karnataka, “Three Months To Frame New Rules,” Says High Court To Government)

The union has called on Telangana's Transport Minister to intervene quickly, warning that without swift action, illegal motorcycle taxi operations will continue expanding across the state. This situation mirrors recent developments in Karnataka, where similar concerns about motorcycle taxi legality have emerged. The debate reflects broader questions about how traditional transport laws apply to modern ride-sharing technology.