Bengaluru: The government on Wednesday launched a new policy to introduce electric bicycle taxi services in all major city centers in the state, including Bengaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mysore and Mangaluru.
The Chairman of the BS Minister Yediyurappa released a comprehensive guideline for the operation of the vehicle.
“In cities like Bengaluru, which allows e-bicycle taxis will not only help facilitate traffic congestion, but also reduce pollution and provide public economic choices to travel short distances,” CM said.
The policy came into force since Wednesday.
Yediyurappa has announced in its 2020-21 budget that they will come out with policies to introduce e-motorcycle taxi after several aggregators such as Ola, Uber and Rapido try to introduce taxi bicycle services in the city by installing motorcycle private riders (vehicles Board) In the absence of guidelines.
According to the rules, the aggregator interested in operating e-motor taxis must get a license in every city.
In addition to the aggregator, the policy will also allow individuals to register e-bikes as taxis to get livelihoods.
They will be allowed to install vehicles with an aggregator or operate independently.
The rules allow pitting (customer) to order e-bicycle bike taxis to travel only for distances up to 10 km.
Motorbikes that run on fuel will not be allowed to operate as a bicycle taxi.
License for 5 years, the government announced two flat rates will be repaired for taxis, one to 5 km and others for over 5 km and up to 10 km.
The rule says anyone above the age of 15 can order e-bicycle taxis.
After registration is done, Anteseden will be verified by the local police station and the license will be issued for five years.
Guarantee for every bicycle, while obtaining a license, is Rs 5,000 and needs to be paid in local RTO.
However, individual licenses can be released from deposits.
The e-bike will have a color determined by the Transport Commissioner and the words ‘Bike Taxi’ painted on both sides of the vehicle, with a white plate on the back and front with the same words.
The name and telephone number driver must be attached to the e-bike.
Vehicles need to be equipped with GPS if the company has more than 50 bicycle taxis.
Feeds will be shared with law enforcers and administrative authorities whenever needed.
Rapido welcomed his new policy and his co-founder said: “We appreciate the government’s decision of Karnataka to let E2W register as a commercial bicycle taxi.
This is a long-awaited step in the right direction and will help people utilize the assets obtained with Good to get livelihood.
We are in talks with the government to consider regular bikes as taxis and hope to see similar developments on the front of this too.
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