Just days after the Karnataka High Court upheld a ban on bike taxi services, frustration is growing across Bengaluru. People are reporting a massive increase in traffic jams and a spike in daily travel costs. For many, the city feels five times more congested.
The High Court recently ruled that app-based services like Rapido, Ola Bike, and Uber Moto were operating illegally under Karnataka law. The verdict brought their operations to a complete stop. And now, the ripple effect is hitting hard.
Without access to bike taxis, thousands have shifted to autos, cabs, or personal vehicles. This has only made Bengaluru’s already overloaded roads even more chaotic. On X (formerly Twitter), users are venting.
“Thanks to the bike taxi ban, had to take an auto. Not even 8 am, and Bengaluru is choked already,” one person posted.
Another user added, “You block bike taxis but don’t fix dug-up roads, footpaths, or public transport. Now everyone’s using cars or booking autos. It’s a mess.”
The worst part? No proper alternatives have been provided. People say this decision came without a plan B. Walkability is poor. Metro access is patchy. And buses aren’t always reliable. So most residents have no choice but to spend more—both time and money.
Daily fares have also shot up. According to a Hindustan Times report, a simple 8 km ride from Singasandra to Jayanagar now costs around ₹190. A shorter 4 km trip to Electronics City can hit ₹180. Some commuters are now spending as much as ₹500 a day just to get around.
And the city’s anger is only growing.
“I couldn’t find any solid reason behind the ban,” one user commented online.
Another joked that this chaos might push people to launch a new wave of mobility startups.
But jokes aside, the struggle is real. Without bike taxis, many feel stranded. What used to be a quick, cheap option is now gone. And Bengaluru’s traffic crisis has only deepened.
If anything, the bike taxi ban has highlighted the city’s deep transport problems. It’s not just about traffic—it’s about access, affordability, and planning. And right now, commuters say none of that is working.
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