Maharashtra CM Approves Bike Taxi Policy, Rules Being Drafted
Mumbai, 27th June 2024: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has approved a bike taxi policy for Maharashtra, and the state transport officials have started drafting the necessary regulations. The public will soon be invited to provide suggestions and objections.
A senior government official indicated that only two-wheelers registered under aggregator schemes and licensed by the government to operate as transport vehicles may be permitted to carry passengers. However, this aspect is still under discussion.
An official from the state transport commissioner’s office confirmed that while the CM’s approval is secured, the final notification or government resolution on the policy document is awaited.
Another senior official mentioned that a state-appointed committee had suggested excluding bike taxis from congested cities like Mumbai and Pune. “Autorickshaws are already not allowed in the island city, so it was proposed that bike taxis should also be excluded. The final policy will provide clarity on this issue, and further consultations may be necessary,” the official added.
About two years ago, the central government introduced a policy on bike taxis but left the rule-making and licensing to state governments. Initially, the state transport department opposed a private aggregator’s attempt to introduce bike taxis last year. Subsequently, the government formed a committee to draft a policy, which included discussions with all stakeholders, including union leaders of taxis and autorickshaws in Mumbai.
Some autorickshaw and taxi unions have raised concerns about road safety and increased air and noise pollution if bike taxis are allowed. Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union leader Thampy Kurien suggested that the state should not allow privately owned motorcycles or scooters to operate as bike taxis. Instead, they should be registered as transport vehicles with yellow license plates.
