'Bike Taxis Are Safer For Women, More Affordable': Women Commuters Oppose Bike Taxi Ban Before Karnataka High Court

Opposing the ban on bike taxis in Karnataka, Women commuters told the High Court on Wednesday (July 02) that bike taxis are a safe, convenient and affordable mode of commuting. 

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice V Kameswar Rao and Justice C M Joshi was hearing appeals filed by bike taxi aggregators Ola, Uber and Rapido against the single judge's order.

For context, the single judge had in April ruled that "unless the State Government notifies relevant Guidelines under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Rules thereunder, the petitioners (Ola, Uber, Rapido) cannot operate as Aggregators offering Bike-Taxi Services".

The court had further said that the State's Transport Department cannot be given directions to register Motorcycles as Transport Vehicles or issue Contract Carriage Permits. It had further ordered the State government to ensure that all bike taxi operations cease to operate in six weeks. This date was extended till June 15. Thereby, Bike Taxis were to cease operations from June 16 in the State.

Appearing for a woman commuter, senior advocate Jayna Kothari submitted that though the scheme has been cancelled because it is allegedly unsafe, however for her who is a daily commuter, bike taxis are "affordable, convenient but also safest". 

Kothari while seeking impleadment said, "We as women want this scheme...where women commuters are heard before this decision". 

The court asked about safety precautions in other states with regard to bike taxis, to which Kothari said, "Bikers in other states have a pre-qualification test, background checks are done. West Bengal has limited bike taxi plying in night. In many states there was an emphasis that riders of bike taxi are women. All aggregator rules and guidelines show that it makes much safer mode of commute". 

Referring to bike taxi policy in Rajasthan, Kothari said that under that policy the antecedents of drivers is to be checked by provider and police verification is done; minors are not allowed. She said that fares for bike taxi, though fixed by state, are lower and is thus "most affordable". 

"There are several national reports by independent agencies which review bike taxis and recommend operating bike taxis. It is safer for women and more affordable. There is a KPMG report which show that bike taxi is most convenient mode. Rates have to be fixed and when it was plying it was most affordable," she submitted. 

On the court's query regarding the basis of report prepared by KPMG, Kothari said, "They have done a feasibility study milord. The report says it (bike taxi) is more affordable, convenient and safe. Data shows that bike taxi is safer than other modes of transport. Our submission is affordability, convenience and safety for women makes it a good option".

Meanwhile senior advocate Uday Holla appearing for Uber submitted that states like Tamil Nadu which had earlier banned bike taxis have now permitted the same. He said that Kerala has permitted the operation of bike taxis as well.

On metro lines in Bengaluru Holla said, "Look at the metro lines, there are only two lines, there is no last mile connectivity...places like Japan etc., have multiple metro lines. Please look at the spread of Bengaluru...even if more lines are there it will not be able to cater". 

He further said that during his childhood he could travel from one end of Bengaluru to another in 20 minutes. "Now it takes around 3 to 4 hours in peak hours. What will happen to a commuter milord if he spends 3 to 4 hours (in traffic)...he wont be able to spend time with family," Holla said. 

On the issue of women safety–which was considered by an expert committee in its 2019 report recommending that Bike-taxis should not be permitted in Bengaluru and its operation should cease, Hola said: "As far as safety of woman passenger is concerned, this bogey of women safety is a misnomer and put forward to ensure that bike taxi is avoided. There is a strong auto union which is coming in the way". 

He further said that as far as bike riders are concerned, the State cannot refuse registration. 

"Today everybody goes to Uber for a taxi. The aggregator will be able to search a taxi and give it in a matter of minutes. Individual drivers cannot be prevented. Aggregators only assist, and State should come and change its stand," he said. 

While concluding his submissions Holla said that after bike taxis were stopped, there has been an "18 percent hike in traffic congestion". 

On the court's query Holla said, "Because bike taxis are not there so people have to use their cars...In London you cannot have your own car because there is no parking available. Everybody uses Uber". 

Case title: Uber India Systems Private Limited AND State of Karnataka and batch

Case No: WA 848/2025, WA 863/2025, WA 906/2025, WA 962/2025, WA 948/2025