Dr. Laura Bishop
Rapido, a popular taxi-aggregator platform, has recently announced its decision to remove all electric bike taxis from its fleet after the scrapping of the Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi scheme in 2021. The scheme’s cancellation specifically targeted battery-operated vehicles, prompting Rapido to make this significant change. Currently, the platform facilitates nearly 20 lakh bike taxi rides per week.
During an exclusive press meet, Pavan Guntupalli, Co-founder of Rapido, applauded the Karnataka government’s decision to support ride-sharing and announced the recall of their e-bike taxis. “We will be asking our bike taxi captains to convert to petrol vehicles or take necessary measures,” he stated.
Rapido also highlighted the recent advisory from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which clarified the legal status of motorcycles under Section 2 (7) of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988. According to the advisory, motorcycles are considered contract carriages and can legally operate as such. Currently, Rapido operates without a license, as the existing rules in Karnataka define cabs as motor cabs with a seating capacity not exceeding six passengers. However, the company has faced legal challenges, including a stay order issued by the Karnataka High Court preventing the government from taking coercive measures against them.
While Rapido had previously applied for a grant of bike Aggregator’s License, it was rejected and redirected to apply before the appropriate authority specified in the Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi Scheme 2021.
This policy change and Rapido’s subsequent decision to phase out electric bike taxis raises questions about the future of commercial bike taxi operations in Karnataka. By shifting away from battery-operated vehicles, Rapido is adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape and exploring alternative technologies that align with the new policies. This strategic move may influence other players in the bike taxi industry to follow suit, signaling a potential shift towards more sustainable transportation options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is Rapido removing all electric bike taxis from its fleet?
Rapido is removing all electric bike taxis from its fleet because the Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi scheme was scrapped in 2021, targeting battery-operated vehicles.
2. How many bike taxi rides does Rapido facilitate per week?
Currently, Rapido facilitates nearly 20 lakh bike taxi rides per week.
3. What is the response of Rapido’s co-founder to the Karnataka government’s decision?
Pavan Guntupalli, Co-founder of Rapido, applauded the Karnataka government’s decision to support ride-sharing and announced the recall of their e-bike taxis. He stated that bike taxi captains will be asked to convert to petrol vehicles or take necessary measures.
4. What recent advisory did Rapido highlight from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways?
Rapido highlighted an advisory from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways that clarified the legal status of motorcycles under Section 2 (7) of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988. According to the advisory, motorcycles are considered contract carriages and can legally operate as such.
5. Has Rapido faced any legal challenges?
Yes, Rapido has faced legal challenges, including a stay order issued by the Karnataka High Court preventing the government from taking coercive measures against them. The company currently operates without a license and had previously applied for a grant of bike Aggregator’s License, which was rejected.
Key Terms and Jargon
– Taxi-aggregator platform: A platform that connects users with taxi drivers and facilitates ride-sharing and booking services. (source: Taxi 2 Airport)
– Electric bike taxis: Taxis that are powered by electricity and have batteries as the primary source of energy.
– Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi scheme: A scheme in the state of Karnataka, India, that focused on promoting the use of battery-operated electric bike taxis for transportation purposes.
Suggested Related Links
– Rapido (official website of Rapido)
– Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways)
