Is Rapido Banned in Bangalore, Karnataka?

Rapido has become the go to option for daily commuters in India which includes in large metropolitan cities like Bangalore. With traffic which is getting heavier, scarce parking spaces, and high fuel prices we have seen the rise of bike taxi services which also provide a better rate and speed of travel. But what also comes up is the issue of Rapido’s ban in Bangalore. To know the full picture we must look at the present legal framework, government policies and the effect Rapido has on commuters and the transport industry in the city.

The status of Rapido in Bangalore.

In Bangalore the growth of the bike taxi service has been very complex. At different times the Karnataka government has put forth issues related to the legality of bike taxis which in turn has created confusion between drivers and riders. Per transport department rules two wheelers which are registered as private vehicles may not be used for commercial passenger transport unless they have special license. This has created a gray area for companies like Rapido.

In the past the Karnataka government had issued notices which stated that bike taxi services are a no go under present Motor Vehicles Act in the state. That which brought in temporary4 bans of Rapido in Bangalore. But the company has been running at it also has been in courts to challenge the said restrictions also had been in to and out of discussion with government bodies. This in between situation has made many to question if in fact Rapido is banned or if they are indeed still a go in the city.

The Government’s Stand on Bike Taxis

In Karnataka what we have is a very careful approach to the issue of bike taxi services. Officials put forth issues related to safety, insurance, and the use of private vehicles for business as reasons for their stance. Also against this are auto rickshaw unions and taxi drivers which say that the introduction of bike taxi services is a threat to their income which they feel is from the fact that they are able to offer a cheaper service.

In many instances the transport department has gone after Rapido drivers which they say were breaking the rules by issuing fines and taking away their vehicles. But still we see high demand for Rapido from commuters which is due to the affordability and speed of service which traditional options do not provide.

Rapido’s Response to the Ban

Rapido has been putting out that their services do for customers what also at the same time put profit back into the pocket of bike owners and riders. They have tried to adapt to the new regulations which include putting out electric bike taxi services and also into the licensing space. Also in the legal battles which we have seen at court level at times the courts have come through for Rapido and given them temporary relief.

In regard to government regulations which have been put in place, Rapido reports on the measures it has taken to ensure safety which include provision of helmets, we also see them offer insurance and we report that they are into training their riders. Also the company is of the view that with the right regulation in place bike taxi services may coexist with present transport structures instead of disrupting them.

Is Rapido Still Operating in Bangalore?

Despite that we have reports of bans and issue of legal notices Rapido is not fully off the roads in Bangalore. Many people still use the Rapido app for bike taxi services and we see drivers that are still taking on trips. However the company is under constant review by the transport department. Some drivers have received fines and we see periodic disruption in service.

The User Experience in Bangalore

For the average commuter the experience of using Rapido in Bangalore has been very positive. In areas which see great traffic like Whitefield, Koramangala, and Electronic City a bike taxi service is to prove to be a better option than cars or auto rickshaws. Also theaffordability of Rapido does which in turn attract college going students and work professionals that are in search of economy oriented travel.

That said we see that which of these services is legal creates a gray area which in turn causes some users’ hesitation. Also we see that which incidents of drivers letting passengers know there is a chance of a traffic cop stop do happen but are still in the minority when looked at against the total number of daily trips which take place in the city.

The Future of Rapido in Bangalore

In Bangalore Rapido’s future is in the hands of government decisions and which way policies go. As urban transport is in a state of constant change we see that bike taxis as a means to fill the gap in last mile connectivity. Should the government put in place a proper licensing structure for bike taxis we may see Rapido take its place as a fully legal and regulated service.

Possible Policy Changes

The in Kannada government may put into place a plan to allow bike taxis under the premise of strict criteria which include that vehicles get commercial registration, have full insurance coverage, and are up to date with safety standards. In that which goes for the Indian states of Telangana and Delhi to adopt bike taxi services as a part of their urban transport solutions. If Karnataka does the same we may see an end to the issue of Rapido’s status in Bangalore.

Technology’s Role in Urban Transport.

Rapido is a part of a bigger trend which sees technology transform urban mobility. Through a simple app they connect riders with drivers which in return reduces travel time, lowers costs and also sees less fuel use when compared to larger vehicles. Also this plays into what the city is growing to want which is that the transport options be more sustainable and efficient.

Conclusion: Is Rapido a banned service in Bangalore?

Rapido’s ban in Bangalore is a gray area issue. Although the government has put in place regulations which have made bike taxis illegal we see Rapido’s presence still strong. Also which the service is a hit with commutes that value its convenience and low price we see Rapido thriving.

We see that in Bangalore Rapido’s status is a question mark but they are not completely out of business. The company is still active which is also true of a very gray area they are operating in. Until the government puts forth clear policies for bike taxis, Rapido will continue to exist in this gray area used every day by thousands but at the same time always at risk of enforcement action.

At present if you are in Bangalore you are still able to book a Rapido ride. What is for sure is that the issue of what the service is allowed to do is still very much in play and the issue of whether bike taxis have a place in Karnataka has not been resolved yet.

Author Profile

Readree: I am the owner of the blog readree.com. My love for technology began at a young age, and I have been exploring every nook and cranny of it for the past eight years. In that time, I have learned an immense amount about the internet world, technology, Smartphones, Computers, Funny Tricks, and how to use the internet to solve common problems faced by people in their day-to-day lives. Through this blog, I aim to share all that I have learned with my readers so that they can benefit from it too. Connect with me : Sabinbaniya2002@gmail.com