Auto and Taxi Drivers Stage Protest Against Rapido and Rental Bike Services

Madikeri, Oct 30: Demanding that Rapido bikes not be permitted in Madikeri city and that action be taken against unauthorized rental bikes, auto and taxi drivers and owners halted their services and took to the streets to protest.

Having suspended their operations from 6:00 AM, the drivers gathered near the Banni Mantapa in Mahadevapete. From there, they marched through the city's main streets to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where they staged a *dharna* (sit-in protest). Throughout the procession, they raised slogans demanding a ban on Rapido and rental bikes.

12,000 Autos in the District

Addressing the protesters, Medappa, Honorary President of the Auto Owners and Drivers Association, stated that Kodagu is a hilly region. He noted that there are approximately 12,000 auto-rickshaws in the district, with about 1,300 operating within Madikeri city alone, alongside 400 taxis. He emphasized that the drivers are educated individuals who, unable to find other employment, rely on driving these vehicles for their livelihood. ...especially since, in any given year, it is possible to secure hire bookings for only three to four months.

We have managed to recover somewhat, though we are still living through difficult times. In such a situation, if 'Rapido' bike services are permitted, the families of drivers who rely entirely on these hire bookings for their livelihood will be left destitute. Vehicles with white-colored number plates are not permitted to operate for hire; we, however, operate legally using vehicles with yellow-colored number plates, having duly paid taxes to the government. "Please allow us the opportunity to earn a living," they urged.

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