Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik spoke at a meeting held at Vidhan Bhavan to discuss various issues related to app-based transport services. Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar and other senior officials from the Transport Department were also present at the meeting
Transport Minister Sarnaik stated that all app-based buses, cars and bike taxis must operate in compliance with legal requirements
App-based buses, cars, and bike taxis operating in the state must adhere to legal norms while conducting business, said Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. He has directed that strict legal action be taken against any private transport services—whether buses, cars or bike taxis—that violate regulations.
He was speaking at a meeting held at Vidhan Bhavan to discuss various issues related to app-based transport services. Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar and other senior officials from the Transport Department were also present at the meeting.
Transport Minister Sarnaik stated that all app-based buses, cars and bike taxis must operate in compliance with legal requirements. The state government will take strict action against those violating its rules.
He further noted that it is essential for such services to follow the guidelines issued by both the central and state governments. Since these regulations are framed with passenger interests in mind, protecting those interests is equally important. Therefore, any breach of these guidelines will invite stringent action, he added.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik catches Rapido bike operating illegally
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on July 2, caught a Rapido bike taxi red-handed while it was illegally ferrying passengers through its mobile app, despite the state government not having granted official permission to any such bike taxi services.
The state government recently announced an e-bike policy, which allows only electric bike taxi services that meet specific terms and conditions to operate legally. As a result, all currently operating bike taxi services that do not meet these criteria are deemed unauthorised.
When Sarnaik inquired with the Transport Department about the presence of such services in Mumbai and other cities, he was officially informed that no unauthorised bike taxi apps were in operation. To verify the claim, Sarnaik booked a ride on the Rapido app using a dummy name.
Within ten minutes, a bike arrived at Shaheed Babu Genu Chowk near Mantralaya to pick up the passenger, thereby exposing the illegal operation.
Sarnaik reimbursed Rs 500 as rent to the driver of that bike, saying it was not his fault and directed officials to penalise and take action against the company.
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