The Karnataka High Court recently reinforced its decision to ban bike-taxi services until the state formulates a proper regulatory framework under the Motor Vehicles Act. In compliance with this order, the state government instructed ride-hailing platforms to cease all bike-taxi operations from June 16.

This led to the Transport Department's immediate and sweeping crackdown across Bengaluru. On the first day of enforcement, over 100 two-wheelers allegedly operating as bike taxis were seized, and violators were fined heftily. The largest numbers were impounded from the West, KR Puram, and East zones of the city, with each region reporting double-digit seizures.

Rebranding as “Bike Parcel” – A Legal Loophole?

In an attempt to navigate around the ban, several aggregators started offering services under new labels such as “bike parcel” or “moto courier.” While these services appeared to be for transporting goods, in reality, they were ferrying passengers who were marked as parcels on the app interface.

This workaround quickly drew public attention, with social media users mocking the move and jokingly referring to the phenomenon as “Passenger as a Service.” Platforms modified their app interfaces to hide direct references to passenger services, but users quickly identified the real intent behind the rebranded services.

However, this loophole was short-lived. Within days of the crackdown, these “bike parcel” options vanished from aggregator platforms—either due to internal compliance measures or external pressure from regulators.

RTO Undercover Ops and Political Response

Taking the crackdown a step further, Bengaluru’s RTO officers started going undercover, booking bike rides disguised as parcels to catch operators in the act. These covert operations were aimed at confirming that banned services were still active, just under different names.

The move triggered strong reactions from political figures. Some public representatives condemned the strategy used by aggregators, calling it a clear case of defying the law and undermining the judiciary’s authority. Transport officials also reiterated that only vehicles with proper commercial registration plates could be used for taxi services, including two-wheelers.

Impact on Commuters and Gig Workers

Commuters Face Higher Costs

The sudden halt of bike-taxi services has significantly impacted thousands of daily commuters in Bengaluru. For many, these two-wheeler rides served as a fast and low-cost last-mile option, particularly valuable in traffic-heavy areas. With their removal, people have turned to autos and traditional taxis, which are costlier and less dependable. Commuters report paying double for the same short distances they previously covered on bike taxis.

Riders Hit Hard

Thousands of gig workers who earned their livelihood through bike-taxi apps now find themselves in a state of uncertainty. Many of them were students or sole breadwinners who depended on daily earnings. With their income sources suddenly cut off, they are urging the government to introduce regulations instead of enforcing an outright ban. Suggestions include licensing, insurance coverage, and specific guidelines to ensure legal and safe operations.

What Lies Ahead?

A critical court hearing was scheduled for June 24, to evaluate the government’s progress in creating a legal framework for bike-taxi operations. Until then, enforcement efforts will continue, with RTOs actively monitoring for any disguised or unauthorized services.

Ride-hailing companies are reportedly exploring discussions with state authorities to find a legitimate pathway for bike-taxi services. One of the proposed solutions involves converting personal bikes into commercial vehicles by upgrading their registration status and obtaining the necessary permits.

While the ban remains in force, the broader conversation has shifted toward regulatory reform. Commuters and service providers alike are calling for clear rules that allow safe, affordable, and legal two-wheeler taxi operations, especially in a city like Bengaluru, where mobility challenges are growing by the day.

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