Bike taxi ban in Bengaluru triggers online anger, employees voice daily struggles
Bengaluru’s long-standing traffic troubles have worsened following the Karnataka High Court’s decision to support the state government’s ban on bike taxi services. Officially enforced on June 16, 2025, the ban has eliminated a key mode of quick, affordable transport for thousands of commuters, who now face limited and more expensive options. The court’s dismissal of earlier petitions to legalize two-wheeler ride-hailing services has further cemented the decision.
For many residents, the ban has arrived at the worst possible time. With the city's streets burdened by ongoing roadworks, narrow lanes, incomplete infrastructure, missing U-turns, and an unreliable public transport system, bike taxis had become a vital solution for navigating the chaos. In their absence, commuters have been left to rely on auto-rickshaws and cabs, which are often seen as costly and inefficient.
The move has triggered a wave of public outrage, especially on social media. Users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have expressed deep frustration, pointing to the increased financial strain and disruption to their daily travel routines caused by the sudden ban.
“You block bike taxis… – with no proper roads – dug-up and narrow lanes – missing U-turns – zero metro access in many areas – limited public buses – no footpaths to walk,” one user wrote. “Bangalore’s traffic has increased almost 4/5x with everyone taking out their car or booking an auto. What a genius move.”
Another resident posted, “Not even 8 AM, and #Bengaluru is choked already. Thanks to the #biketaxi ban, had to take an auto. Give me walkable shortest paths to the bus stops and bike lanes, please. This is no way to create cities."
Others lamented the rising financial burden. “I’m paying literally Rs 500 every day just for the commute now.
The controversy over bike taxis in Karnataka has been ongoing since 2022, when petitioners urged the court to permit motorcycles to be registered as transport vehicles, aiming to legalize two-wheeler ride-hailing services. While the court initially granted interim relief by preventing the state government from taking action against bike taxis, that safeguard lapsed in April 2025.
On April 2, 2025, the Karnataka High Court officially rejected the petitions, referring to a 2019 expert committee report that raised concerns about passenger safety and the potential impact on traffic due to bike taxis. The court also instructed the state government to develop a detailed regulatory policy for bike taxi operations within three months. However, that deadline has come and gone with no official guidelines or policy being released.
Despite growing frustration and protests from the public, the government has not yet taken any meaningful steps toward reintroducing or regulating bike taxi services in the state.
For many residents, the ban has arrived at the worst possible time. With the city's streets burdened by ongoing roadworks, narrow lanes, incomplete infrastructure, missing U-turns, and an unreliable public transport system, bike taxis had become a vital solution for navigating the chaos. In their absence, commuters have been left to rely on auto-rickshaws and cabs, which are often seen as costly and inefficient.
The move has triggered a wave of public outrage, especially on social media. Users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have expressed deep frustration, pointing to the increased financial strain and disruption to their daily travel routines caused by the sudden ban.
“You block bike taxis… – with no proper roads – dug-up and narrow lanes – missing U-turns – zero metro access in many areas – limited public buses – no footpaths to walk,” one user wrote. “Bangalore’s traffic has increased almost 4/5x with everyone taking out their car or booking an auto. What a genius move.”
Another resident posted, “Not even 8 AM, and #Bengaluru is choked already. Thanks to the #biketaxi ban, had to take an auto. Give me walkable shortest paths to the bus stops and bike lanes, please. This is no way to create cities."
Others lamented the rising financial burden. “I’m paying literally Rs 500 every day just for the commute now.
The controversy over bike taxis in Karnataka has been ongoing since 2022, when petitioners urged the court to permit motorcycles to be registered as transport vehicles, aiming to legalize two-wheeler ride-hailing services. While the court initially granted interim relief by preventing the state government from taking action against bike taxis, that safeguard lapsed in April 2025.
On April 2, 2025, the Karnataka High Court officially rejected the petitions, referring to a 2019 expert committee report that raised concerns about passenger safety and the potential impact on traffic due to bike taxis. The court also instructed the state government to develop a detailed regulatory policy for bike taxi operations within three months. However, that deadline has come and gone with no official guidelines or policy being released.
Despite growing frustration and protests from the public, the government has not yet taken any meaningful steps toward reintroducing or regulating bike taxi services in the state.
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