The Auto Rickshaw Owners and Drivers Association in Belagavi has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, demanding strict enforcement against private white-board vehicles and unpermitted electric autos operating via ride-hailing platforms like Rapido, Ola, and Uber. The association stated that despite repeated appeals to the transport department and concerned offices, no stringent action has been taken to curb these operations.
The group alleged that privately registered vehicles with white number plates are being used for commercial passenger transport through these aggregators, while some electric auto-rickshaws are plying without necessary permits. These activities are reportedly undermining the livelihoods of local drivers, many of whom rely on daily earnings to cover vehicle loans, insurance, taxes, and maintenance. The association has urged authorities to verify vehicle registrations, transport permits, and aggregator licenses under Sections 66 and 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Karnataka On-Demand Transportation Technology Aggregators Rules, 2016, seeking an immediate investigation to ensure a level playing field for licensed operators.
