The Maharashtra government has approved a new policy for e-bike taxis in urban areas of the state with an aim to offer affordable transportation to single passengers while providing employment opportunities to the riders. The policy also aims to create nearly 20,000 jobs in the state and provide a ₹10,000 grant to help drivers start e-bike taxi services.
The state government had proposed the policy last year but the Cabinet approval came today during a State Cabinet meeting held today in the presence of the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, and State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
Speaking to the press after the Cabinet meeting, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated, “e-bike taxis will resolve issues for single passengers who previously had to pay higher fares for rickshaws or taxis”.
The government is working to finalise the regulations regarding the fare structure with an aim to reduce the cost by nearly a third. “If a rickshaw or taxi ride costs Rs 100, the same trip will cost between Rs 30 to Rs 40 on an e-bike taxi”, the Minister said.
The e-bike taxi services are expected to start within the next 1-2 months.
Key Features of the Policy:
- Only companies with a minimum fleet of 50 e-bikes will be permitted to operate.
- The travel distance limit for rides has been capped at 15 kms.
- E-bikes must have a partition between front and pillion passenger along with a roof cover for monsoons.
Benefits & Support
The Transport Minister claimed that the new e-bike taxi services will offer employment to nearly 20,000 people across the state, including 10,000 in Mumbai alone.
The rickshaw drivers who switch to e-bike taxis will receive financial assistance of Rs 10,000. If the children of autorickshaw and taxi drivers working with government boards and certified corporations take up the e-bike taxi service, they will also be provided Rs 10,000 grant and they can take a loan for the remaining amount, allowing them to start the service without any initial funds.