Aaditya Thackeray slams bike taxi proposal, claims BJP is attempting to kill Mumbai's public transport system

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. File Pic

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government over the proposed introduction and promotion of bike taxis in Mumbai, alleging that it is a deliberate attempt to privatise and phase out the city's iconic BEST bus service.

Speaking to reporters, Thackeray said, "A bike taxi can only carry one person. Instead of promoting such a service, the government should focus on strengthening BEST. BJP is privatising BEST, and by introducing bike taxis, they are trying to shut it down altogether. This is nothing short of an attempt to kill public transport in Mumbai."

Comparing the the cost and efficiency of both the services, Thackeray said, "While you can travel for a longer distance on a BEST bus for just Rs 15, a bike taxi will only cover 1.5 km for the same amount. It makes no economic sense for common Mumbaikars."

He also warned that the move is part of a larger privatisation agenda. "Are we going to see Tesla bikes next? What's the plan here? The BJP wants to sell off depots to builders, make public transport unaffordable, and hand over Mumbai's lifeline to private players," Thackeray alleged.

He noted that 30 to 35 lakh people rely on BEST buses every day, and that public transport, not bike taxis, should be the government's priority. "A bike taxi can't carry lakhs of people. BEST can, and it has always stood by the people, rain or storm; it never stops," he added.

Calling BEST the "lifeline of Mumbai", Thackeray suggested, "Instead of weakening BEST, the government must strengthen it. Public transport in Mumbai is already well-developed; we don't need a one-person bike taxi disrupting a system that works."

He also criticised the condition of Mumbai's roads and the city's traffic management: "Instead of investing in bike taxis, the government should strengthen the Mumbai Police's traffic division. Roads are suffering, traffic is worsening, and enforcement is lacking."

The Worli legislator also took a swipe at Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis and said, "The CM should focus on real issues like traffic, transport, and infrastructure instead of petty political matters like who becomes whose PA (personal assistant)."

Further, he brought up the recent inaction over international sporting events, questioning the government's stance: "First, they said ‘blood and water can't flow together'. Then why did the government not take action during the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match? Why didn't they withdraw like Pakistan did in the Hockey Asia Cup?"