Indian Government Set To Legalise Bike Taxis Nationwide

The Indian government has taken a major step towards legalising bike taxis, potentially revolutionising public transportation in the country. This development comes as a boon for popular ride-hailing companies like Rapido, Ola, and Uber, signalling a shift towards a more unified regulatory framework in the country's burgeoning mobility sector.

Under the current scenario, varying regulations governing bike taxi operations exist at the state level, leading to a patchwork of rules and restrictions. For instance, while some states permit the operation of bike taxis, others have imposed bans or stringent regulations, creating uncertainty and hindrances for mobility firms.

A recent advisory issued by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has set the stage for a standardised approach towards bike taxi services. The advisory clarifies that motorcycles fall within the purview of contract carriages under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, thereby paving the way for their legal operation as taxis for hire.

While an advisory might have been shared, whether or not the states will implement it remains to be seen. And considering there have been certain instances where the services had to be pulled back for rider safety, implementing them back will be a challenge.

More so, the bigger question remains what about pillion safety and what happens in case of an accident. In a car, auto rickshaw or any other form of public transport, you are in a cocoon of sorts, safeguarding you from the elements. What happens in this case? Would the ride hailing companies start to enforce their riders to carry a pillion helmet on all rides? Would rides be denied on this basis? And in the unfortunate event of a collision through any means, would the rider face the brunt of the charges or will the company help out?

Plus, the trust factor in the rider’s abilities is one of the most important things that we keep in mind when being a pillion. How does one resolve this fear?

If the service providers do find a way to overcome these pertinent hurdles, the legalisation of bike taxis holds immense promise for enhancing last-mile connectivity. Thereby, also reducing congestion, and providing commuters with affordable and efficient mobility options.