In a major crackdown against unauthorised two-wheeler passenger services, the Maharashtra Transport Department on Wednesday, July 16, registered cases against 123 illegally operating bike taxis across the MMR.
Of the total, 78 vehicles were seized, and action has been taken against the riders under Motor Vehicles Act. An official from the department stated that they were mostly Rapido bikes.
The action was conducted by 20 RTO flying squads across Mumbai, Thane, Vasai, Vashi and Panvel, following multiple public complaints about the growing number of illegal bike taxis operating across the region.
In an official statement, RTO said: "Against this backdrop, special teams of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Mumbai launched a joint crackdown through 20 units across Mumbai, Thane, Vasai, Vashi, and Panvel. During the operation, action was taken against a total of 123 vehicles engaged in illegal transport activities, out of which 78 bike taxis were seized."
"Additionally, criminal cases have been registered against the concerned drivers under the Motor Vehicles Act, and further legal proceedings are underway against the operators of these unauthorised apps as well," it added.
The department emphasised that government clearance is mandatory for operating any form of passenger transport.
State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said the department will be soon finalise the policy to include aggregator bikes and buses.
The government has issued a gazette notifying the rules for e-bike taxis, which included the application forms of aggregators. Once the applications are received and approved, these bike taxis will be allowed to run on the city roads.
The inquiry revealed that certain unregistered apps and illegal bike taxi operators have been carrying out passenger transport without obtaining any permission from the government. This not only results in revenue loss for the state but also poses a serious threat to passenger safety.
Notably, as per Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is mandatory to obtain a valid permit to operate any passenger transport service. However, it has been found that some app-based companies and drivers are blatantly violating these rules and engaging in illegal transportation activities.