The bike taxi scheme has already proven to be successful in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal and Haryana. And now, it will soon be seen in Punjab as well. In an effort to generate employment for the youth, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh has given the green signal for bike taxis under the ‘Apni Gaddi Apna Rozgar’ scheme. This will also facilitate the last-mile connectivity for commuters in areas which are not accessible by regular four-wheel taxis.
The policy, currently in the process of being finalised by the transport department, will allow existing and new motorcycle owners to apply for commercial permits and licenses to operate two-wheelers as pillion taxis. Moreover, reports indicate that taxi aggregators like Ola and Uber have also shown interest in the scheme and the government will soon issue notification on the same. As two-wheelers can be obtained with low investment, the government believes that it will encourage youth to engage in entrepreneurial business.
The government claims that the move will not just help reduce vehicular traffic pressure on the roads, but will also help in controlling pollution. Under the `Apni Gaddi Apna Rozgar' scheme, as proposed in the Congress poll manifesto, the government intends to hand out one lakh taxis including commercial LCVs and other vehicles to unemployed youth every year at subsidised rates, without collateral and with the government standing guarantee. Moreover, the beneficiary can repay the loan in five years.
