Mumbai: INR 15 set as base fare for bike taxis, operations to begin soon

The State Transport Authority (STA) of Maharashtra has approved minimum fares for bike taxis in the state. The decision was taken during a meeting on August 18 led by Transport Secretary Sanjay Sethi. The approval comes ahead of the official launch of bike taxi services in the coming months.

The STA has set the base fare at INR 15 for the first 1.5 kilometres. Passengers will then be charged INR 10.27 per kilometre. The fare formula is the same as the one suggested by the Khatua Committee, which is also used to fix fares for cars and conventional taxis.

Even without an official launch, some operators have already started running bike taxis illegally in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The transport department has reported that such illegal bike taxis have been booked by regional transport offices.

As per reports, 20 special squads across Mumbai, Thane, Vashi, and Panvel identified recently and stopped 123 illegal vehicles, including 78 bikes operating as unlicensed taxis, mostly from Rapido.

Earlier this year, the Maharashtra government issued a Government Resolution allowing bike taxis and bike-pooling services in cities with a population of one lakh or more. With the fare structure now approved and the minutes of the STA meeting signed, the way is clear for legal and regulated services to start.

The goal is to offer commuters an affordable last-mile travel option and licensed operations have been implemented for  safety and compliance with transport regulations.