Aaditya Thackeray Criticizes Mumbai Government’s Bike Taxi Approvals

Aaditya Thackeray, a leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has raised concerns regarding the recent approvals for app-based bike taxi services in Mumbai. He criticized the Mahayuti government for what he perceives as an effort to undermine the city’s public transportation system. The Maharashtra State Transport Authority (STA) recently granted provisional licenses to companies such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido, allowing them to operate bike taxi services across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. A minimum fare of Rs 15 has been set for a distance of 1.5 kilometers.

During a news conference, Thackeray articulated his discontent with the regulatory framework surrounding these bike taxi services. He claimed, “Be it bike taxis or City Flo buses, the BJP and Shiv Sena government is resorting to privatisation. It is killing public transport in Mumbai.” He emphasized the need for a balanced approach that supports both public and private transport solutions.

Thackeray further called for the government to extend its financial support to the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses, which he insists are vital to the city’s public transport ecosystem. He took particular issue with state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik’s earlier actions, which included exposing illegal bike taxi operations by booking a ride through the Rapido app in July.

In a recent post on X, Thackeray lamented the decline of the BEST service, accusing authorities of systematically dismantling it through fare increases and reductions in bus fleet size. He stated, “Private bus operators are now flooding the city, while the BEST is being killed by abnormal fare hikes, reduction in bus fleet numbers and sale of bus depots.”

According to Thackeray, the government’s actions are fundamentally altering the transport landscape in Mumbai. He asserted, “The BJP government, by destroying Mumbai’s roads and traffic and making public transport inaccessible and costly, is ensuring that Mumbai’s economic strength is broken.”

The issue of bike taxis is particularly contentious, as it raises questions about the future of public transport in one of India’s largest metropolitan areas. Thackeray’s comments underscore the growing frustration among residents who rely on public transport for their daily commutes. As the city grapples with increasing privatization, the long-term implications for public transport accessibility remain to be seen.

Thackeray’s criticisms reflect a broader concern regarding the balance between private and public transport services in urban areas. With the rapid expansion of app-based transportation options, the stakes for Mumbai’s public transport system have never been higher.