Ahmedabad, January 16, 2025: Ahmedabad’s bike taxi driver community came together today to issue a heartfelt appeal to the government, highlighting the challenges they face and calling for urgent action to ensure their safety, inclusion, and livelihood. At the session, drivers spoke about the increasing risks from rival groups, the lack of clear policy recognition, and the essential public service they provide to citizens, especially in bridging last-mile connectivity gaps.
The drivers urged the Transport Department and the Government of Gujarat to allow part-time usage of non-transport two-wheelers for bike taxi services, a provision already outlined in the MoRTH 2020 guidelines adopted by the state. They further pointed to the recent Draft MoRTH 2024 Aggregator Guidelines, which also support such operations. Despite these frameworks, ambiguity in the implementation of these policies has left drivers vulnerable, forcing them to operate in a grey area while facing hostility from monopolistic interest groups like auto unions.
Speaking at the event, a driver partner shared, “We are part of an ecosystem that provides an affordable and essential transport option for thousands of people in Ahmedabad. Yet, every day we face harassment, threats, and even physical violence. We urge the government to recognize our contribution to urban mobility and ensure that we can continue working with dignity and safety.”
The drivers highlighted that banning bike taxi services would not only deprive citizens of an affordable, eco-friendly transportation option but would also push thousands of families into financial instability. For many drivers, bike taxis are their primary source of income, offering them a flexible and dignified way to earn a livelihood.
The safety of bike taxi drivers was a key concern raised at the event. Drivers shared stories of nuisance and aggression by rival groups, emphasizing the need for immediate action from the government to protect them. They also called for a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism to address such incidents and ensure swift action against perpetrators.
The drivers appealed for the government to ensure a level playing field and not allow monopolistic pressure to dictate transport policies. They emphasized the need for fair treatment and collaboration between stakeholders, including bike taxi operators, auto unions, and aggregators, to create an inclusive and sustainable urban transport system.
“Bike taxis are more than just a mode of transport. They are a lifeline for commuters and a source of empowerment for drivers. By recognizing and supporting bike taxi services, the government has an opportunity to create a progressive, inclusive, and modern transport framework,” said another driver partner at the event.
The briefing concluded with an emotional plea to the government to safeguard the future of bike taxi drivers and the public who rely on their services. The community expressed hope that clear policies, safety measures, and open dialogue would enable them to continue their contribution to Ahmedabad’s urban mobility while ensuring their safety and livelihood.
