Autorickshaw drivers in Bengaluru allegedly obstruct commuters from using bike taxis

The long-standing friction between autorickshaw drivers and bike taxi operators in Bengaluru has taken an ugly turn, with a recent incident highlighting the persisting tensions despite the government's ban on electric bike taxis in the state. A commuter's ordeal has shed light on the alleged highhandedness of some autorickshaw drivers, who purportedly forced a man to forego his bike taxi ride and even threatened the rider.

The incident came to the fore when a popular Bengaluru weatherman, known for frequent weather updates on social media, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his harrowing experience. "As I came out of the metro station, I had booked a bike taxi via @rapidobikeapp. The first ride I got was of an electric bike & when the rider had come to pick me up, the auto drivers started to abuse him & chased him away," he wrote.

Acknowledging the ban on electric bike taxis in the city, the commuter booked another ride through the same app, this time for a non-electric motorcycle. However, the autorickshaw drivers allegedly intervened once again. "When he came to pick me up, the auto drivers again forcefully asked him to cancel the ride & didn't allow me to take the ride," he recounted.

Goon behaviour of auto drivers at Jalahalli metro station, Bengaluru this evening

As I came out of the metro station, I had booked a bike taxi via @rapidobikeapp. The first ride I got was of an electric bike & when the rider had come to pick me up, the auto drivers started to…

— Karnataka Weather (@Bnglrweatherman) March 9, 2024

Undeterred, the commuter persisted and booked yet another ride, but the autorickshaw drivers allegedly escalated their actions. "But when the rider came & we were about to leave, they had come back, forcefully made me get off the bike & started abusing. I told them only electric bike taxis are banned but not normal ones. They said don't talk rules to us & we know better than you. They didn't allow me to capture the videos & pics," he lamented.

The incident prompted the commuter to urge the Bengaluru police to ensure the safety of individuals who book bike taxi rides and prevent such harassment by autorickshaw drivers. Responding to the outcry, the Bengaluru police acknowledged the incident and stated that appropriate action would be taken.

The alleged incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the two groups, with autorickshaw unions in Bengaluru having long demanded a complete ban on bike taxis. Previous incidents have seen autorickshaw drivers allegedly assaulting bike taxi riders, further exacerbating the rift.

As the city grapples with the complex issue of regulating and balancing the interests of various transportation services, incidents like these underscore the need for effective enforcement and conflict resolution mechanisms to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters.