BENGALURU: Just four days after residents of Bengaluru began to breathe a sigh of relief with the return of bike taxi services, major ride-hailing platforms have once again suspended this convenient mode of transport. On Monday, popular aggregator platforms Uber and Ola removed the bike taxi option from their list of available services.This sudden decision follows a clarification from the Karnataka High Court, which stated that it did not issue any order permitting the resumption of bike taxi services. The court emphasised that the state government retains the authority to take action against ride-hailing aggregators in accordance with existing legal provisions. The clarification prompted Uber and Ola to halt their bike taxi services, much to the disappointment of city dwellers who had started to rely on them for efficient first- and last-mile connectivity.Despite the withdrawal by Uber and Ola, Rapido continues to offer bike taxi services under the name “Bike Direct.”With the city’s notorious traffic congestion and limited public transport options, bike taxis have been an attractive alternative for quick and cost-effective travel. With the removal of this option, commuters may face longer travel times and increased expenses.
