With the imminent ban on bicycle taxis looming, Bengali turn to carpooling daily commuter

The shift comes after the Karnataka High Court ordered app-based transport providers such as Rapido, Ola and Uber to stop providing bicycle taxi services within six weeks. |Picture source: File Photo

Bengaluru is preparing to impose a ban on bicycle taxis following recent high court instructions, and commuters in the city are forced to reconsider their daily travel options. In emerging alternatives, carpooling is rapidly gaining popularity, especially among working professionals and students seeking affordable and reliable options.

The shift comes after the Karnataka High Court ordered app-based transport providers such as Rapido, Ola and Uber to stop providing bicycle taxi services within six weeks.

For thousands of daily commuters, bike taxis have been a low-cost, time-saving solution for traffic-ridden cities. “Bike taxis are often the cheapest alternative after BMTC buses and subways. With their recent ticket price gains, our budget-friendly options are exhausted,” said Pavithra G., a daily commuter at Jayanagar.

Public transportation costs have soared in recent months, exacerbating the challenges of everyday travelers. From April 1, the state government has increased the sales tax on diesel and raised the fuel price to Rs 2 per liter. At about the same time, subway fares rose 71%, while BMTC bus fares reached 15%. This three-effect shrinkage of rising costs has made commuters scramble to find alternatives that won’t burn holes in their pockets.

Viable and sustainable options

In this case, carpooling has become a viable and sustainable option. Several carpooling platforms are witnessing the increase in user interest. Quickride is one of the more mature platforms, which is specifically designed for in-city commuters heading to office areas. Other applications such as Gopool and Quicreach are running using yellow board commercial vehicles to connect passengers on similar routes.

The legality of carpooling in Bengaluru has previously raised questions, but the Karnataka government clarified in 2023 that as long as there is no profit-driven. Although the transportation department announced its intention to develop a special carpooling policy, it is still awaiting official guidelines.

For many in cities, carpooling is not only an economical choice, but also a necessity for the current situation.

“I started carpooling through Quickride last month, my office was in Whitefield and I live in Jayanagar. A regular taxi costs at least Rs 500, which is unsustainable. It is unsustainable. With carpooling, I share it with three other rides and end up paying with Rs 120. It’s a new friend and a great way to go during the long commute,” said Rohit Merthy, a new friend and said a new friend. ”

Others plan to switch as soon as possible. “I have been relying on bike taxis for the past two years because they are fast and cheap, especially for last mile connectivity to the metro. However, with the ban and fare hike, I’m seriously considering ridesharing. I’ve registered on a ridesharing platform and plan to try it out next week and if it works well I can even remove Apps apps apps apps apps apps apps apps apps apps apps apps apps apts apps apps apps apts apps aaa a. Vijayanagar to Manyata Tech Park.

MN Srihari, a transportation analyst and transportation expert, said rideshares could play a key role in solving a variety of urban transport challenges. “The government must adopt clear, supportive policies to promote ridesharing. It’s not only about affordability – ridesharing helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road, cut emissions, reduce fuel consumption, and even promote social interaction. As commuting becomes more expensive. As commuting becomes more expensive, if it becomes safer, more citizens will naturally tend to ridesharing, he is more structured, and his structure is more stable.”