Tamil Nadu Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar announced that bike taxis would be reviewed to ensure the safety of passengers. The minister made the statement during the launch of a digitization initiative for the operations of the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicle Maintenance Department and 20 government-operated automatic service stations.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Sivasankar addressed the recent protests by auto-rickshaw drivers’ unions in Chennai, demanding a ban on bike taxis. He pointed out that the Central Government has already permitted the operation of two-wheelers as rental vehicles. However, the Tamil Nadu Transport Department has formed a committee to review the feasibility and implications of this policy.
“There are concerns from the auto-rickshaw drivers’ unions, and issues like insurance claims in case of accidents need to be addressed. To ensure passenger safety, the Transport Commissioner has been directed to conduct a detailed study. Strict action will be taken against bike taxis operating in violation of regulations,” the minister said.
On the topic of diesel price hikes, Sivasankar highlighted that despite rising costs, fares for government buses in Tamil Nadu have not been increased. “Neighboring states charge up to ₹1.08 per kilometer, while Tamil Nadu collects only 52 paise per kilometer. Naturally, this results in losses, but the state government compensates for them to avoid burdening passengers.”
He emphasized that the focus should not solely be on the losses incurred by transport corporations but on the development brought about by the transport sector. “The efficient operation of the transport department has contributed to equitable growth across Tamil Nadu,” he remarked.
The review of bike taxis is expected to address safety concerns while balancing the interests of various stakeholders in the transportation ecosystem
