Transport Minister Conducts 'Sting Operation' On Illegal Rapido Bike Taxi Operations [Video]
Bike taxi aggregators like Rapido, Ola Cabs, and Uber were banned by the government of Maharashtra back in 2023 from operating bike taxi services in the state. However, despite the ban, the aggregators are still operating illegally in Maharashtra. Recently, to expose this illegal service, the Minister of Transport of Maharashtra, Pratap Baburao Sarnaik, was seen taking part in the sting operation. He posed as a customer, and when the Rapido rider arrived to pick him up, the truth was exposed.
Transport minister exposes illegal Rapido operation
This video showing the undercover operation organised by the Maharashtra Transport Ministry has been shared on X by the official handle of Pratap Baburao Sarnaik. In this short clip, the minister was seen standing at the footpath with the staff from his ministry. Soon after this, a Rapido bike taxi rider arrives at the location on his Honda Activa scooter.
Upon reaching, Sarnaik was seen having a conversation with the Rapido rider. He told him that currently the bike taxi aggregator Rapido has not been given permission by the government of Maharashtra to operate bike taxis in the state. However, they are still operating them. After which, he tells him that he is not aware of this, as he (the Rapido rider) is working according to the company.
The clip then shows the Rapido rider’s smartphone, on which the Rapido application was installed, and the dashboard which shows the ride details. After this, the minister was seen talking politely with the rider and explaining that this rule has been made for the betterment of the public. Sarnaik then emphasizes that he is the transport minister.
After which, he was seen highlighting that their company is operating illegally. He added that it would not be fair if they fined him. The minister was then told that these riders just make a very small amount of money. Finally, the minister told the rider that he can go, and before leaving, he even handed him a Rs 500 note from his own wallet.
New guidelines for bike taxis
Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, led by the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, has issued new guidelines for bike taxi operations. It has allowed states to legalize bike taxis using non-transport (private) motorcycles. However, the current blockage in Maharashtra and other states is from state governments.
It has been highlighted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways that the final approvals of bike taxi operations in states rest with state governments. There is no automatic clearance from state governments. As per the new guidelines, the states can authorize private bikes for passengers under shared mobility.
According to MoRTH, the benefits of legalizing bike taxis are that the traffic congestion gets reduced. It added that pollution levels will also get reduced, and the last mile connectivity becomes more affordable. Also, the livelihood opportunities of riders increase.
It, however, has added that aggregators must comply with proper legal documentation, valid driving licences, insurance, and vehicle fitness and safety. Additionally, the states are also allowed to levy operational fees, which could be daily, weekly, or fortnightly.