In 2021, I went to Delhi for appearing in a university entrance exam. Being a student, I was looking for the most affordable and quick modes of transportation. I used Uber Moto, a bike taxi, for the very first time and I found it to be very affordable and quick. Since then, I kept using bike taxis. During my five days trip to the Jaipur Literature Festival, I used the Rapido bike taxi for five days, as I have to look after my expenses as a student.
This week, the Delhi government banned all bike taxis as using private vehicles for commercial purposes is against the law. In January Rapido bike taxi was banned in Maharastra.
After I heard about the ban in Delhi, the first thing that I felt was upsetness. I remembered how the bike taxi rider would hand me over a helmet as soon as the ride arrives. We mostly ignore our own safety by not wearing a helmet when we’re riding a two-wheeler on our own. I also remember how different riders would share their experiences regarding taking a decision to ride a bike taxi. One of the riders that I met was a brother of two sisters. He was a student preparing for government job competitive exams while riding a bike taxi to support his family. Another rider that I met told me how he just loves talking to people and rides a bike taxi for fun. During my Jaipur trip, I remember how the rider took out extra effort to find my pickup location.
While writing this, I am also thinking about how this sudden ban will affect the families of the people who would suddenly become unemployed, like the student that I met in Delhi. Although I understand the reasons behind this ban, I think it would beneficial for all parties involved if the central and state governments think of solutions based on empathy, legality, mutual understanding, and most importantly humanity.