Madikeri auto drivers call 12-hour shutdown to protest Rapido bike taxis today
The association has decided to suspend services for a day, alleging that the operation of bike taxis has severely affected the daily earnings of auto-rickshaw drivers.
Madikeri: Auto-rickshaw services will remain suspended across Madikeri city from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, October 30, as the Auto Owners and Drivers’ Association stages a protest against the operation of Rapido bike taxis.
The association has decided to suspend services for a day, alleging that the operation of bike taxis has severely affected the daily earnings of auto-rickshaw drivers.
As part of the protest, the association will submit a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, urging the authorities to take action against Rapido bike taxis.
The proposed shutdown is likely to inconvenience commuters who depend on auto-rickshaws for their daily travel. Passengers travelling to workplaces and other destinations have been advised to make alternative transportation arrangements.
The association has appealed to the public to cooperate with the one-day shutdown.
The protest comes amid concerns raised by auto-rickshaw drivers over competition from app-based bike taxi services. The association is seeking intervention from the district administration to address its concerns over the operation of such services in Madikeri.
The suspension of services will be limited to the 12-hour period on October 30, according to the announcement.