Bangalore, the IT city, is growing rapidly with professionals migrating to the city. Following repeated complaints from cab drivers, the Karnataka transport department on Saturday placed a ban on the app-based carpooling services in Bangalore. But is carpooling completely banned? The Karnataka Transport Minister clarified this.
Is Carpooling Banned In Bangalore?
ಕಾರ್ಪೂಲಿಂಗ್ ನಿಷೇಧಿಸಿಲ್ಲ, ಇದು ಸುಳ್ಳು ಸುದ್ದಿ.
ಮೊದಲು ಅವರು ಸರ್ಕಾರದಿಂದ ಅನುಮತಿಯನ್ನು ಪಡೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲಿ. ಅವರು ಅನುಮತಿಯನ್ನು ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳದಿರುವಾಗ ನಿಷೇಧದ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ಎಲ್ಲಿದೆ?
ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬರೂ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ನಿಯಮಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ನಿಬಂಧನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಅನುಸರಿಸಬೇಕು.
ಬಿಳಿ ನಂಬರ್ ಪ್ಲೇಟ್ಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ವಾಣಿಜ್ಯೇತರ ಖಾಸಗಿ ವಾಹನಗಳನ್ನು…— Ramalinga Reddy (@RLR_BTM) October 2, 2023
Following repeated complaints from cab drivers, the Karnataka transport department on Saturday placed a ban on the app-based carpooling services in Bangalore. Residents may not agree with the decision, but experts have mixed feelings about it despite claims that it lowers transit costs and eases traffic congestion.
Carpooling applications like Quick Ride, BlaBla Car, Zoom, and Rideshare, according to the transportation administration, are “illegal” since they make use of private automobiles with white number plates for business purposes. The Karnataka Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, which only permit the use of vehicles with yellow number plates for commercial reasons, were mentioned in support of the verdict.
Citizens flocked to X to criticise the decision. Karnataka Transport Minister Ramlinga Reddy has to clarify that carpooling is not prohibited but said that the applications must have the appropriate authorization to function legally. In his tweet, he stated that they have not made carpooling illegal and it’s false news. Let them ask permission first. Where is the matter of banning since they did not obtain permission?
Also Read: 40-YO Man Arrested At Bangalore Airport For Misbehaving With An Air Hostess On AirAsia Goa Flight
He further wrote that everyone must abide by the laws and norms. Use of non-commercial private automobiles with white licence plates for carpooling is prohibited. By adhering to the necessary regulations, commercial vehicles with yellow licence plates can be used for carpooling.
Legal Action Against Those Who Break The Rules
The agency has instructed officials to take legal action if anyone is found to be breaking the rules in many locations throughout the city. According to the department, violators risk having their registration certificate (RC) suspended for six months and paying fines between ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
The decision was made in response to complaints from the taxi and auto groups, who want carpooling applications’ operations stopped since they are operating unlawfully and harming their respective industries. But less than a week after the state capital experienced severe traffic congestion on its Outer Ring Road (ORR), a major tech corridor, the department’s directive has not been warmly received by the populace.
As per a Hindustan Times report, residents have urged the government to lift the ban. Bangalore is known for having terrible traffic, and this prohibition will just make things worse.
Also Read: Chennai-Bangalore Electric Bus Catches Fire; Conductor’s Presence Of Mind Saves The Day
Carpooling is a practical solution to reduce traffic congestion and lower fuel consumption with the ever-increasing number of vehicles on our roads.
Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels