Commuters in Bengaluru were left baffled on Monday as a state-wide bike taxi ban came into force, turning regular passengers into “parcels.” The suspension of bike taxi services like Ola Bike, Uber Moto, and Rapido followed the Karnataka High Court’s ruling that upheld the state government’s decision to halt such two-wheeler transport until a proper regulatory framework is introduced. In a city known for its notorious traffic congestion, the ban has sparked criticism across social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where many users expressed frustration over the loss of a convenient and fast commuting alternative.
As the Uber, Ola, Rapido ban came into effect, screenshots of bizarre changes in these ride-hailing apps went viral. Users reported that the bike taxi option had been replaced with a “parcel delivery” or “moto courier” service. This unexpected workaround immediately grabbed attention, as riders noticed they could still book rides by identifying themselves as parcels to bypass the ban.
One viral post summed up the ingenuity of the move, stating: “Karnataka High Court banned bike taxis. Rapido came up with a brilliant workaround as a ‘bike parcel’ service. Now, you can book a ride, label yourself a parcel, and reach your destination. God bless Indian jugaad!” The post, along with screenshots of the Rapido parcel service, has sparked widespread discussion and amusement online, highlighting the inventive spirit behind this unusual response to the regulatory clampdown.
