Transport Unions Demand Supreme Court Action Against Unauthorized Bike Taxis
In Hubballi, the Indian Vehicles Driver Trade Union and the Towner Driver Foundation have issued a strong appeal to the Central Government. They are urging authorities to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court to challenge a recent High Court judgment that favored unauthorized bike taxis. This move highlights growing tensions in the transportation sector over regulatory compliance and public safety concerns.
Safety and Legal Concerns Raised by Unions
Speaking to reporters in Hubballi on Thursday, Santosh Kumar, the state president of the Snehajeevi Chalakara Sangh, emphasized that the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 does not provide clear and direct permission for the operation of "bike taxis." The unions argue that using two-wheelers, which often lack essential safety features, for commercial passenger transport poses a significant threat to public safety. They point to accident statistics as evidence, noting that the likelihood of accidents is notably higher on motorcycles compared to other vehicles.
The unions have referenced Supreme Court judgments that clarify obtaining a license is not a fundamental right. They assert that state governments possess full authority to regulate the transport system in the public interest. There is a palpable fear that granting permission to unauthorized bike taxis could not only endanger public safety but also lead to a surge in road accidents, exacerbating existing traffic issues.
Impact on Licensed Drivers and Economic Hardships
The organizations warn that the livelihoods of auto-taxi drivers, who have diligently obtained licenses and paid taxes in accordance with regulations, are at severe risk. These drivers face unfair competition from unregulated bike taxis, which could undermine their economic stability. As a result, the unions caution that the families of over 25 lakh drivers across the state are likely to encounter significant financial hardship if the situation remains unaddressed.
The demand for immediate intervention by the Central Government is clear and urgent. The unions stress that without swift action, the proliferation of unauthorized bike taxis could destabilize the transport ecosystem, putting both safety and livelihoods in jeopardy. They call for a balanced approach that prioritizes regulatory frameworks and protects the interests of all stakeholders involved.
