Mumbai To Get Over A Lakh Of Bike Taxis, Tariffs Likely To Be 60 Percent Cost Of Rickshaws

The Maharashtra state government is likely to introduce a new proposal that will legalise the use of bike taxis. Nearly 1,00,000 bike taxis, which will be a mix of petrol and electric options, are expected to be present in the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region) to begin with. Former chief minister Eknath Shinde had already given the go for the framework to begin with and it is expected that the services will commence shortly.

With the introduction of bike taxis, app-based aggregators will need to have at least 50 bikes minimum that will operate only in a 15 km radius. These motorcycles and scooters will need to have special ‘yellow’ number plates, which should make the business of illegal services a punishable offence.

The companies have been asked to have electrics comprising at least 30 percent of its fleet to begin with and then every year, the share should increase by 10 percent. The aim is to have a completely electric fleet in seven years’ time.

While this move is aimed at making public transport all the more convenient and affordable, there are a few issues that we think are going to cause hindrance for the same to operate smoothly. Firstly, the rickshaw and cab drivers are already against the idea. Some raise concern of background and safety checks of taxi riders, some raise concern about irregular/dynamic fares (like Ola and Uber provide) and some are raising road safety concerns, the latter one being one that we also see becoming an issue. However, for the earlier two, it seems that an additional avenue for the public reduces the rickshaw and cab drivers’ earnings, and hence, the opposition to the idea.

As for the safety issue, will the taxi riders carry an additional pillion helmet, will the pillion rider be forced to carry their own helmet, will the rider follow safety rules, what would be the health condition of the bike and more such questions do prop up. Certain frameworks regarding the same will need to be drawn up. 

Source: Hindustan Times