Protest at Bengaluru Transport Department Headquarters Over Illegal Bike Taxi Operations and Fare Rules
The transport department headquarters at Shantinagar TTMC in central Bengaluru was the site of a heated protest by auto and cab drivers on Thursday. The drivers were demanding action against various issues plaguing the transportation industry in the city, including illegal bike taxi operations, fare violations by taxi aggregators, unauthorized use of private cars as taxis, and delays in the registration of school vans. They also called for the implementation of ‘one city, one cab fare’ to be expedited.
The protest turned chaotic when the drivers were initially denied entry into the headquarters, leading to arguments and agitation. However, after managing to enter the conference hall, officials assured the protesters that their grievances would be addressed. Among the demands made by the drivers was a cap on the commission charged by taxi aggregators, as well as the issuance of fitness certificates for transport vehicles that had been withheld due to non-compliance with panic button and vehicle-tracking device installation requirements.
The protesters were informed by officials that an enforcement drive against illegal e-bike taxi operations would be carried out from July 5 onwards. This announcement helped calm the protesters, who eventually dispersed. However, the incident did cause traffic disruptions in the area, with snarls lasting from 11 am to 3 pm.
Despite the assurances given by officials, tensions remain high in the transportation industry in Bengaluru. The Bike Taxi Welfare Association, Karnataka, has expressed strong objections to the transport department’s actions and has threatened to approach the High Court if violations of earlier orders are observed.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by drivers and operators in the transportation sector in Bengaluru. As the industry grapples with issues of regulation, enforcement, and fair competition, it is clear that more dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders will be necessary to find sustainable solutions to these complex problems.