On Monday, the Minister of Transport Ramalingy Reddy met over 100 laps. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
More than 100 taxis drivers, including drivers from the Taxi Association on Namma bikes and other associated with Rapido, Uber and Ola, met with Minister of Transport Ramalinga Reddy on Monday to share their concerns about the bike ban.
In a petition addressed to the Minister named 1 of Lakh taxi drivers via Bengalur, drivers called for protection of their livelihood in the middle of a growing regulatory uncertainty.
Drivers who met the Minister claimed to face everyday harassment, fines and legal confusion, even though they provided the last mile for the last mile with the lake commuting. They called on the government to formally recognize taxis on the bike as a legal way of transport and implement a structured political framework.
“We are not criminals – we are workers who are trying to make a dignity for a living,” said Ramesh K., a taxi driver and a member of the association. “We live in fear every day. If the taxis are legal on the bike in Delhi and Mahari, why are we denied the right to work here in Kareni?”
The petition stressed that many drivers are students, lonely parents or former paid workers who, after losing jobs during the pandemic, turned to bike taxis. They stressed that without clear regulation thousands can lose a single source of income and endanger their survival to the city.
Published – April 28, 2025 20:49
