BENGALURU: The Federation of Private Transport Organisations on Friday launched a black flag protest in Bengaluru, demanding immediate action against app-based bike-taxi services and strict implementation of government-prescribed fares by transport aggregators.
The federation has given the government 15 days to act on its complaints. Until then, members will continue their protest by displaying black flags on autos and taxis across Bengaluru and other districts.
Federation president S Nataraj Sharma said the organisation has submitted complaints to the transport commissioner and the commissioner of police, seeking action against companies allegedly operating bike-taxi services without the required licences.
On the ‘One City, One Fare’ demand, Sharma said all aggregators, taxi operators and metered services should collect only the fare prescribed by the state government. He alleged that platforms were charging higher fares during peak demand and heavy rain.
“Passengers should not be made to pay more during peak hours and less when demand is low,” Sharma said, adding that the federation had no objection to aggregators collecting the permitted commission over the government-fixed fare.
The federation has also sought action against aggregators that allegedly claim through their platforms and social media that they are authorised to operate bike-taxis. Sharma alleged that licences held by some companies were applicable only to taxi services and did not authorise bike-taxi operations.
He sought investigation under provisions of the Information Technology Act and cybercrime laws, besides recovery of alleged government dues and penalties. Sharma claimed aggregators were required to pay a 2% royalty to the government under the relevant aggregator rules.
The federation also raised concerns over the accountability of app-based bike-taxis. Sharma said people using commercial transport services should have adequate insurance coverage and clear mechanisms for accountability in case of accidents or other incidents.
Sharma said if the government fails to act within the deadline, the federation will consider calling for a Bengaluru bandh.