4 days ago
Gig Workers Demand Safety Rules for Private Bike Taxis
Nitin Gadkari suggested that States allow privately owned motorcycles to work as bike taxis.
The union representing gig workers said this could create more ways for people to earn money.
However, it said passengers and drivers must be protected first.
Commercial vehicle owners already pay special taxes, permits, insurance and other costs.
The union says it would be unfair if private vehicles could work commercially without similar rules.
It wants motorcycles and their drivers to be checked before carrying passengers.
It also wants insurance, helmets, GPS tracking and emergency buttons.
The union says app companies must follow clear government rules and be held responsible when they break them.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged States to permit private two-wheelers to operate as bike taxis.
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union said the proposal could create jobs but raised safety and welfare concerns.
The union warned that private commercial use could disadvantage drivers who pay taxes, permits, insurance and compliance costs for commercial vehicles.
It demanded vehicle and driver verification, passenger insurance, safety training, GPS tracking, SOS systems and women’s safety measures.
The union called for uniform rules, aggregator accountability and financial relief for eligible existing commercial vehicle owners.
- Who
- Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari proposed that States permit private two-wheelers to operate as bike taxis; the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union raised concerns.
- What
- The proposal would allow private motorcycles to provide app-based passenger transport, while the union is seeking safety-first and uniform regulations.
- Where
- The issue was raised in Hyderabad and concerns Telangana as well as Central and State governments.
- When
- The concerns followed Nitin Gadkari’s proposal; no specific date is stated.
- Why
- The union wants to protect passengers and drivers, address unequal costs between private and commercial vehicles, and ensure aggregator accountability.
Supporters of Expanded Bike-Taxi Access
Safety and Commercial-Driver Advocates
Livelihood opportunities
Supporters of Expanded Bike-Taxi Access
The proposal could allow more private two-wheelers to operate as bike taxis and create livelihood opportunities.
Safety and Commercial-Driver Advocates
The union agrees the move could create jobs but says this must not come at the expense of passenger safety or existing commercial drivers.
Private vehicles in commercial transport
Supporters of Expanded Bike-Taxi Access
Private motorcycles could be used commercially through aggregator platforms.
Safety and Commercial-Driver Advocates
The union questions why private vehicles should receive commercial access when drivers who purchase commercial vehicles face additional taxes, permits, insurance and compliance costs.
Regulation and accountability
Supporters of Expanded Bike-Taxi Access
Aggregator platforms could facilitate bike-taxi services using private vehicles.
Safety and Commercial-Driver Advocates
The union says apps cannot replace government regulation and wants mandatory checks, passenger protection, clear aggregator accountability and strict penalties for violations.
Key facts
- Proposal
- States were urged to permit private two-wheelers to operate as bike taxis.
- Union
- Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union
- Union representative
- Shaik Salauddin, the union’s founder president
- Main concern
- Passenger safety, driver welfare and regulatory disparities
- Requested protections
- Vehicle verification, passenger insurance, driver checks, safety training, helmet standards, GPS tracking and SOS facilities
- Commercial vehicle costs cited
- Commercial road tax, fitness certification, permits, higher insurance premiums and other compliance costs
- Policy demand
- A uniform, transparent and safety-first framework for bike taxis and app-based passenger transport
Quotes
Shaik Salauddin
Founder-President of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union
“If private vehicles can freely operate commercially, why should drivers invest in purchasing commercial vehicles?”
thehansindia.com
“An app cannot replace a regulatory framework.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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