Rapido, the popular ride-hailing platform, has launched Bike Direct, a new non-profit bike taxi service in Karnataka aimed at helping thousands of bike rider partners devastated by recent bans on bike taxi operations. This initiative was introduced shortly after Uber and Ola suspended their bike taxi services, following the Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy’s statement calling the resumption a violation of a High Court order.
Rapido clarified that Bike Direct is not a commercial venture and does not mean a return to regular bike taxi operations. It acts as a humanitarian, livelihood support effort, allowing riders to connect with customers independently through Rapido’s technology platform, without charges, commissions, or incentives on rides.
This development was first reported by The Hindu.
Why Bike Direct Was Needed
After over two months of suspension and a brief, confusing restart of bike taxi services, thousands of independent bike riders were left without a platform to find customers. The Karnataka High Court clarified on August 22 that it never authorised ride-hailing companies to operate bike taxis, leaving regulation and policy to the state government.
Without a dedicated infrastructure or app support, individual riders struggled to secure rides and sustain their incomes. Responding to these hardships, Rapido stepped in with Bike Direct, described as a lead generation tool that helps verified riders directly connect with verified customers, ensuring safe, reliable travel without platform fees.
Check out: Rapido Finally Launches its Food Delivery Service ‘Ownly’ in Parts of Bengaluru
Legal and Social Backdrop
The debate over bike taxis in Karnataka remains heated. While the High Court condemned the government’s blanket ban and urged the formulation of a clear policy, it stressed that bike taxis cannot operate without regulation. The court highlighted the stakes involved—livelihoods of over six lakh bike taxi workers in Karnataka.
A delegation of riders from the Karnataka Bike Taxi Welfare Association (BTA) met opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who promised to engage with state leaders on safeguarding the livelihoods of these workers. Many riders spoke of mounting debts, unpaid EMIs on vehicles, and the financial stress pushing them towards less stable delivery jobs.
The court has directed the Karnataka government to frame a policy soon, with the next hearing set for September 22. Until then, Rapido’s humanitarian model continues, operating with zero financial gain and full respect toward legal restrictions.
Impact on Riders and Future Outlook
Bike Direct represents a unique stop-gap measure in a climate of legal uncertainty and economic hardship for gig workers in two-wheeler mobility. It keeps the flow of demand alive, enabling bike riders to earn a living during the uncertain transition to regulated bike taxi services.
Though Uber and Ola exited again, Rapido’s gesture reflects a commitment to sustaining their partner ecosystem without violating legal boundaries. This model may serve as a blueprint for how technology companies can balance compliance with support for vulnerable gig workers.
What’s Next for Bike Taxis in Karnataka?
The coming weeks will be critical as Karnataka’s government considers adopting the Central Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, already implemented in 17 other states, which provide a regulatory framework for safe and legal bike taxi operations.
If Karnataka adopts these or similar policies, bike taxis could soon return with stronger safeguards for riders and customers. Meanwhile, advocacy efforts and legal scrutiny continue, reflecting the broader challenges of integrating gig work into formal, fair regulatory frameworks.
Conclusion
Rapido’s Bike Direct is more than an app feature—it is a human-focused response to real hardship faced by thousands of two-wheeler gig workers in Karnataka. As the legal environment evolves, such innovative efforts highlight how companies, courts, government, and communities must work in tandem to balance innovation, regulation, and worker welfare in India’s dynamic gig economy.
