A Bengaluru techie has raised serious concerns about the recent bike taxi ban in the city, questioning whether the decision is a result of good governance or an unjust punishment to commuters. In a recent social media post, the techie criticized the ban, pointing out how it has caused inconvenience for many and left commuters with limited options.
The techie specifically highlighted the growing influence of auto rickshaw drivers, who, in the absence of bike taxis, have started charging exorbitant fares and displaying mafia-like behavior. He argued that with the regulation of bike taxis, auto drivers have gained an unfair advantage, taking advantage of the lack of competition by forcing higher fares on passengers.
While the government’s ban was aimed at regulating the bike taxi industry, the techie believes that it has instead created a monopoly for auto drivers, who are now using their position to exploit commuters. This shift, he argues, is detrimental to consumers who are left with few affordable and reliable transportation options in the city.
Prathiksha Harish, a techie, echoed the same, saying ride fares have become costlier since mid-May. A ride from Vidyamanyanagar to Koramangala 6th Block now costs ₹90 more than usual, she said. “I used to pay ₹350 from home to office, but now I pay ₹440.”
The techie’s post has sparked widespread discussion about the implications of the ban and whether it truly serves the best interests of Bengaluru’s commuters, with many agreeing that more thoughtful solutions are needed to address the concerns raised by both commuters and the transportation industry.