All Things Policy The Bangalore Bike Taxi Ban
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Jul 1, 2025 Anupam Manur, a Professor of Economics at the Takshashila Institution, dives into the controversial bike taxi ban in Karnataka. He discusses how the ban reflects governance failures and affects commuters’ access to affordable transport. The conversation highlights the economic fallout, particularly for low-income workers who rely on bike taxis for jobs. Manur critiques the outdated regulations and the disproportionate impact on urban mobility while urging for innovative solutions to balance safety concerns with economic needs.
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Legal Gap Banned Bike Taxis
- The Karnataka government banned bike taxis because it doesn't recognize two-wheelers as commercial vehicles.
- Without legal recognition or regulation framework, bike taxi operations were deemed illegal by the High Court.
Ban Raised Transport Prices
- The bike taxi ban caused a supply shortage in transport, leading to higher prices for autos and cabs.
- Commuters face longer waits and more cancellations, worsening the existing urban mobility crisis.
Ban Hurts Poor Commuters
- Poorer sections relied heavily on bike taxis for affordable and quick mobility.
- The ban forces these commuters to pay more or switch to costlier alternatives, worsening inequality.