learning a lesson from national capital Delhi to reduce traffic congestion, the IT city Bengaluru is all set to introduce two-wheeler taxis soon. Bengaluru, one of the fastest growing cities in south Asia, is stinking with traffic snarls which has reduced the movement and increased the pollution, has looking at all options to reduce traffic congestions and now it is going ahead with two-wheeler taxis.
According to State Transport Department, three two-wheeler taxi aggregators have come forward to lead the way in a city where snarling traffic has hit the process of growth. According to Transport Commissioner Ramegowda, three companies with a concept to run two-wheeler taxis, have come forward and applied for permit to operate in the city. According sources these companies want to run two-wheelers based on motorcycle taxis which are popular in countries like Thailand, UK, Sweden, US, Brazil and Indonesia.
A Transport Department source indicated that they might fix the fares as Rs10 for the first 2 kms and Rs5 for every subsequent km. Bengaluru which is hit by the process of urbanisation, and traffic congestion has become a major bottleneck in the process of growth. The source also said that they would be taking a decision after the December 27 elections to the legislative council.
Meanwhile it is learnt that the transport department is in the process of preparing guidelines to cover bike taxis in the line of city taxi aggregators. The RTO officials are looking at all aspects from helmets for the pillion riders to digital meters and minimum age to the rider.
Bengaluru spread in an area of over 900 sq kms has 59 lakh vehicles on road. Bengaluru also has more than 49 lakh two wheelers on road.
Meanwhile a mobile taxi aggregator Hey Bob has started two wheeler taxis on a pilot basis. According to Vishal Kumar of the Hey Bob the study conducted by them in the city of Bengaluru reveals traveling by two wheeler saves 70 percent time compared to a person travelling in a four wheeler.
V. Kumar said “ We have started our operations in Koramangala area. It is also economical at just Rs5 per km. After we announced our operations, over a thousand people have downloaded the app.”
Many commuters feel that the choking city Bengaluru needs alternative transport mode to reduce the traffic congestion. Anuradha, an IT professional feels that the choking city needs alternative mode of transport. But when asked her about the two wheeler taxis she questions on the safety for pillion riders especially for women.