By Admin 
Bike taxi ban: Bike taxi is considered a relief option in a crowded city like Mumbai, but now the legal sword is hanging on these services. Maharashtra Police has registered a case against big companies like Uber and Rapido in case of running a permit bike taxi. This indicates that bike taxi services in Maharashtra may also be closed after Karnataka.
What is the whole matter?
The Mumbai Police and RTO officials investigated the services of Uber and Rapido. He himself booked the ride and found that the bikes on which the white number plate was installed (which is only for personal use), was being conducted by commercial passenger rides. This is a direct violation of the rules of the Motor Vehicle Act, in which commercial use of white number plate vehicles is considered illegal.
Why is bike taxi increasing popularity?
The demand for bike taxi has increased rapidly in big metros. The biggest reason for this- traffic prevention, low fare, facility to reach metro station or office early and its increasing popularity among the youth. Especially in cities like Mumbai, thousands of people travel by bike taxi every day because it is a cheap and better means.
What does legal status say?
No clear legal category for bike taxi has been fixed in India yet. This means that it is illegal to conduct any kind of commercial operation from a bike with white number plate. Companies such as Uber and Rapido, even though they tell themselves as just a “technology platform”, but from a legal point of view this argument is not accepted in the court.
‘Parcel trick’ is no longer useful
Companies like Rapido found a way to avoid the rules, in which they used to declare the ride as “parcel” and claim that they are only doing parcel delivery. But now the government and courts have started recognizing such cunning and do not recognize it.
Auto and taxi unions opposed
Auto and taxi unions say that when they pay commercial tax, insurance, fitness certificate and permit fees, then why should those who run bike taxi get the benefit of this exemption? This is the reason that due to the pressure of the union in Karnataka, the government took tough action and now the Maharashtra government is also taking steps in this direction.
What can happen next?
Some state High Courts have already ordered governments to formulate a clear policy for bike taxi services, but till now the progress has been very slow.
Also read: Neither traffic worries, no jam! Bike flying in the air, know the price and range