Uber suspends Bengaluru bike taxis: What this means for 1 lakh gig workers

Following the Karnataka High Court's ban, Uber halted bike taxi operations on June 16, 2025, impacting thousands of riders reliant on this income. The report explores the financial and social fallout for over 100,000 gig workers and the ongoing efforts to shape a new regulatory framework.

Sources:
Times of IndiaIndianexpress+1
Updated 1h ago
Tab background
Sources: Times of India
Uber has suspended its bike taxi services in Bengaluru following a Karnataka High Court directive upholding the state government's ban on such operations.

The ban, enforced due to concerns over safety, insurance, and licensing under the Motor Vehicles Act, has led to the seizure of over 100 bike taxis and left thousands of riders jobless.

"Uber announced suspension of services, saying it would negatively impact thousands of riders and drivers," highlighting the widespread effect on gig workers.

Riders, who earned up to Rs 3,000 a day by navigating traffic-clogged roads, have expressed that the job provided not only financial support but also a sense of purpose and human connection.

The Namma Bike Taxi Association has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging government intervention to support the over 1 lakh gig workers affected.

Authorities have noted that some aggregators attempted to circumvent the ban by rebranding bike taxi services as parcel delivery, with Rapido renaming its feature to 'Bike Parcel'. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and RTO officials have increased surveillance and enforcement to curb violations.

Uber stated, "The decision to halt the service was difficult but necessary," and expressed commitment to collaborating with the state government to develop a robust and progressive policy for bike taxi services.

This suspension disrupts a vital low-cost transport option in Bengaluru and raises questions about the future of gig economy jobs in the region.
Sources: Times of India
Uber has suspended its bike taxi services in Bengaluru following a Karnataka High Court ruling upholding the state ban, affecting over 1 lakh gig workers. The ban, citing safety and licensing issues, has left riders jobless and disrupted low-cost transport options, prompting calls for government intervention.
Section 1 background
Key Facts
  • The Karnataka government banned bike taxis citing safety, insurance, and licensing concerns, prompting a clampdown on operations.1
  • The Karnataka High Court upheld the ban and directed authorities to seize bike taxis operating illegally.Times of India
  • Bengaluru authorities seized over 100 bike taxis in compliance with the court directive.Times of India
  • The ban has left numerous riders jobless, affecting their financial stability and social connections, impacting over 1 lakh gig workers.Times of India
  • Riders reported earning up to ₹3,000 a day by travelling over 100km daily, which covered a significant part of their monthly expenses.Times of India
  • The Namma Bike Taxi Association submitted a memorandum to CM Siddaramaiah and Rahul Gandhi seeking their intervention to support affected workers.Times of India
  • Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy noted some aggregators were circumventing the ban by using parcel delivery services as a cover.Times of India
  • On Monday morning, Rapido rebranded its bike taxi feature as 'Bike Parcel' to bypass the ban.Times of India
  • RTO officials used field surveillance and decoy operations to identify and catch violators of the ban.Times of India
  • Uber announced suspension of bike taxi services in Karnataka as of June 16, 2025, citing the court ruling.1
  • Uber expressed that the decision to halt the service was difficult but necessary, concerned about the impact on thousands of riders and drivers.Times of India2
  • Uber stated it remains committed to working with the Karnataka government to develop a robust and progressive policy for bike taxi services.1
Uber announced suspension of services, saying it would negatively impact thousands of riders and drivers.
Times of India
Times of India
Uber has suspended its bike taxi operations in Karnataka as of June 16, following a court ruling upholding the state government's ban.
Hindustantimes
1
Key Stats at a Glance
Daily earnings of riders
₹ 3,000 a day
Times of India
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