Bengaluru woman challenges bike taxi ban in court
A Bengaluru woman commuter and several bike taxi owners are fighting Karnataka's recent ban on bike taxis, saying these rides are safer, cheaper, and more convenient—especially for women—than busses or cabs.
The High Court is now hearing their case, along with appeals from Ola, Uber, and Rapido after a judge stopped all bike taxi operations until official rules are made.
'Bengaluru has seen worse traffic jams...'
Supporters argue that strict safety checks—like police verification and bans on riders with criminal records—make bike taxis a safe option.
There are even rules allowing women drivers to take only female passengers.
Since the ban kicked in mid-June (largely pushed by autorickshaw unions), Bengaluru has seen worse traffic jams and higher fares for other transport.
Petitioners say the sudden ban goes against both their rights and state policy supporting new mobility options, raising big questions about affordable travel in growing cities.