The Apna Bike Taxi Association, a body claiming to represent 1,000 bike taxi drivers in India’s capital, Delhi, has written to Lieutenant Governor Vijay Saxena. The association is seeking more time to adapt to the soon-to-be-implemented “Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme 2023”.
The new scheme, set to come into force next week, allows for the operation of bike taxi services in the city under the condition that only electric vehicles are used. This requirement is applicable to all vehicles added to the fleet post the scheme’s initiation.
The policy further dictates that the operator of a two-wheeler taxi must meet the conditions laid out for drivers of passenger service vehicles under the Central Motor Vehicles Act (CMVA), Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), and Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules (DMVR).
According to Arendar Singh, the head of the Apna Bike Taxi Association, this change will have repercussions for over 50,000 bike riders in Delhi. In a conversation with Entrackr, Singh stated that they are requesting a two-year extension to begin implementing the policy, i.e., to start the transition to electric vehicles.
Singh also highlighted the city’s lack of robust infrastructure for two-wheel electric vehicles. Additionally, he pointed out the high cost and poor quality of two-wheeler EVs. The new scheme requires all bike taxi drivers to switch to electric bikes immediately, but does not provide any guidelines or assistance on how to finance this transition.
Entrackr has reviewed the association’s letter, which argues that the scheme is “completely impractical” and puts the livelihoods of over fifty thousand bike taxi drivers and their families in jeopardy.
The transition to electric vehicles is a global trend, driven by environmental concerns. However, this policy change seems to have overlooked the practicalities and financial implications for the drivers. As a result, the Apna Bike Taxi Association is calling for more time and support to adapt to the changing landscape.
