Carpool banned in Bengaluru
Following complaints from taxi drivers, the Bengaluru transport department has outlawed carpool using mobile application platforms like Quick Ride and others. Mallikarjun C, an additional commissioner (enforcement) for the transport department, warned that using these apps for carpooling could have serious repercussions. A fine of between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 and a suspension of their registration certificates (RC) for up to six months are possible penalties for offenders.
Why is carpool banned in Bengaluru?
Carpooling apps, according to the transportation agency, violate rules by combining private vehicles that are not permitted for commercial use. The department decided to act after receiving multiple complaints from taxi driver unions. Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have been asked to file legal complaints against these illegal businesses in places like HSR Layout, Jayanagar, Electronic City, K R Pura, Yelahanka, Devanahalli, and others.
K Somashekar of Karnataka Rajya Chalakara Parishat voiced his concerns, stating, “Apps such as Quick Ride, Zoom, and others are operating without any license. Taxi drivers are required to register their vehicles, obtain permits, and pay taxes. We had urged the transport department to take action against these illegal activities during the private transport operators’ bandh.”
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Carpool and its effects
Carpooling proponents claim that it is a highly successful method for reducing traffic congestion and fuel usage. More than 1.1 million vehicles, including 73.6 lakh two-wheelers and 23.5 lakh four-wheelers, are on city roadways, making the need for creative solutions to ease congestion urgent.
Contrary to the transport department’s position, a number of local government organizations have promoted carpooling programs run by tech parks and other partners. The state government has not yet developed a clear policy for these services, nevertheless.
KNM Rao, the Founder and CEO of Quick Ride, defended the practice, saying, “In the city, covering just 5 km can take nearly an hour. Carpooling allows employees of the same company or tech park to travel together in one vehicle on pre-published routes, restricted to a maximum of two trips per day.”
