Mumbai to Launch Bike Taxis: Affordable, Fast, and Traffic-Friendly Travel at Just Rs 3/km

Mumbai is getting ready to introduce bike taxis, a fast and cheap way to travel in the city. With fares starting at just Rs 3 per kilometer, these two-wheeler rides aim to reduce traffic and offer a quicker option than regular transport. The Maharashtra government plans to roll out bike taxis in big cities, allowing people to book rides that easily move through traffic, save time, and are budget-friendly.

Bike taxis are already popular in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. They usually carry one passenger and charge as little as Rs 3 per kilometer, making them a great choice for daily travel.

“You can take a ride with a small bag from the airport or train station. It’s faster, cheaper, and more convenient than other options,” said a commuter who has tried bike taxis in other cities.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that ride-hailing companies like Ola, Uber, and Rapido would soon follow a single set of rules. He also stressed the need for a system to handle complaints about safety, carpooling, licensing, and traffic violations.

The Central government approved bike taxis two years ago but left it to states to create rules and issue licenses. In Maharashtra, bike taxis faced opposition from auto and taxi unions over concerns about road safety, passenger welfare, and the environment. One big issue was that bike taxis were treated as ‘non-transport’ vehicles, so they didn’t need the same permits as autos and traditional taxis.

In 2022, the Pune RTO refused to let Rapido operate bike taxis, and the Bombay High Court supported this decision, highlighting the need for proper licensing. Aggregators were also told to stop bike taxi services until the state had a clear policy. Later, under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the government approved bike taxis and created a draft policy for licensing and regulations.

Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar explained that the new policy would focus on vehicle maintenance, passenger safety, helmet use, and extra safety for female riders. It will include registering bike taxi companies, fixed fees for licenses, and common rules for private passenger services like cars, taxis, and bikes.

The policy will also encourage female drivers by including safety measures, such as partitions to ensure their comfort while driving passengers.

Thampy Kurien, a leader of the autorickshaw union, urged the government to consider five key points before finalizing the policy. He suggested that only vehicles with yellow number plates, like autos and taxis, should operate as bike taxis. He also called for state-approved fares, mandatory fare meters, strict safety measures, and proper documentation under Motor Vehicle Rules.