Uber, Rapido Faces FIRs in Maharashtra Over Bike Taxi Violations

Maharashtra’s Transport Department has initiated action against Uber and Rapido, filing FIRs over alleged misuse of bike taxi permissions following a recent fatal accident. 

FIRs Filed After Accident 

The state authorities registered FIRs against both ride-hailing platforms after a 49-year-old passenger travelling in a bike taxi died in Mulund on 29 November. Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar said the action stemmed from the accident and what he described as serious non-compliance by the companies.  

He stated to CNBC-TV18 that “The FIRs were triggered by this accident and serious violations of the conditions under which provisional permissions were granted to the aggregators.” He added that permissions were granted only for e-bikes, yet non-e-bikes and private motorcycles were still being deployed. 

Alleged Violations and Next Steps 

The Commissioner said the platforms were not adhering to the state-approved fare structure and were ignoring safety norms. 

FIRs have been lodged at Navghar Police Station in Thane for Uber and at Ghatkopar Police Station in Mumbai for Rapido. Both companies face allegations such as using private vehicles for commercial rides, operating without proper permission, and causing wrongful losses through misrepresentation. 

Read More: Ola Consumer Introduces Non-AC Rides Pan-India! 

Conclusion 

With FIRs now formally lodged, the case marks a significant flashpoint in Maharashtra’s ongoing scrutiny of urban mobility services. Further proceedings by the Transport Department will determine the next course of action for both platforms.