In recent times, Bangalore has been witnessing a distressing increase in cases involving auto rickshaw drivers allegedly harassing customers who book rides through the popular ride-hailing service, Rapido. A shocking incident came to light when a video, shared on Twitter by user @sharadagarwal96, showed an auto driver engaging in harassment and violence against a Rapido customer. This disturbing event has raised serious concerns about passenger safety, prompting an urgent call for action from the Bangalore City Police.
The viral video has triggered widespread agitation among autorickshaw drivers in Bengaluru, leading them to stage a 24-hour protest against what they perceive as the “illegal” operation of Rapido services and other e-bike taxi services within the city. As a result, commuters, especially in central Bengaluru and the city’s railway station region, have been facing difficulties in securing auto rides.
@BlrCityPolice @CPBlr yet another incident of harassment and violence by blr auto driver! My friend Booked auto from @RapidoCares and I from uber. Both the rides were on their way and we had to cancel 1 (already 2 bookings were cancelled by rapido). pic.twitter.com/b6L9vxjS4T
— Sharad Agarwal (@sharadagarwal96) July 22, 2023
Adding to the growing concerns, a similar incident occurred on March 23, 2023:
Responding to the escalating situation, Karnataka Transport Minister Sriramalu stressed the historical significance of auto rickshaws in Bengaluru’s transportation system. He has directed authorities to take appropriate action against aggregator companies like Rapido, which are allegedly operating without the necessary licenses.
M Manjunath, the convenor of The Bengaluru Auto Drivers Union’s Federation, has called upon the Karnataka government to follow the examples set by Delhi and Maharashtra, both of which have already banned Rapido services. The union submitted a memorandum urging for a similar ban on Rapido within Bangalore. Furthermore, they have requested the withdrawal of the Karnataka E-bike Taxi Scheme 2021, which granted a license to Wicked Ride, the parent company of Bounce, to operate e-bike taxi services in the state.
In response to the disturbing incident shared on social media, the Bangalore City Police promptly reached out to @sharadagarwal96 to gather precise location details. This swift response underscores the city police’s dedication to ensuring the safety of all citizens and visitors.
While Rapido has become a popular choice for many commuters, these recent incidents have raised crucial questions about the safety and regulation of such ride-hailing services. As the demand for ride-hailing platforms and e-bike taxi services continues to grow, striking the right balance between innovation and ensuring passenger safety remains a pressing challenge for authorities.
In conclusion, the agitation by Bangalore’s auto rickshaw drivers against Rapido services highlights the urgent need for appropriate action and stricter regulations within the ride-hailing industry. The incidents of harassment and violence experienced by customers should not be ignored, and effective measures must be taken to ensure a safe environment for all commuters. Achieving a harmonious coexistence between traditional transportation systems and emerging ride-hailing services will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban mobility in Bengaluru.
