The bike taxi services provided by popular companies such as Ola, Rapido, and Uber are expected to resume in Delhi and Maharashtra, providing the most cost-effective ride option. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued an advisory notice to state governments regarding the regulation of bike taxis. As per the advisory, these motorbikes meet the criteria of contract carriages under Section 2(7) of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, 1988. While bike taxis are banned in Maharashtra and Delhi, they are still operational in Goa, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Last year, bike taxi services were banned in the capital city for breaching motor vehicle regulations. The government was concerned about the operation of two-wheelers with non-transport registration markings or numbers, which violates the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.
The Delhi government addressed the ban with multiple strong warnings, highlighting the importance of acquiring valid commercial licenses to run bike taxis. Those who disobeyed the laws suffered penalties of up to Rs 10,000, in addition to a three-year license suspension. After the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued a new advisory, there is hope for the return of popular commuters in Delhi and Maharashtra. Let's take a closer look at this matter.
What are Advisory Guidelines and How Can Their Acceptance Be Beneficial?
While highlighting the definition of bike taxis, MoRTH's advisory encourages all states and union territories to accept and process motorcycle contract carriage permit applications following the laws and regulations of the Motor Vehicle Act. It additionally serves as an effort to protect bike taxi riders from fines resulting from licensing violations.
If Maharashtra and the capital of India follow the advisory guidelines, it would be a relief for both professional riders and regular commuters. The reintroduction of bike taxi services in these areas could result in more job opportunities and less traffic congestion. However, to ensure safety and compliance with licensing requirements, regulatory bodies must monitor all operations closely. While the lifting of the ban offers greater convenience and job opportunities, safety standards must not be compromised.
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