Rapido bike taxis may be banned in Pune as police ask Google, Apple to remove app

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Pune’s bike taxi users could soon lose access to Rapido as city police have approached Google and Apple to remove the app from their respective platforms. The move comes amid a crackdown on the company’s bike taxi operations, which authorities say are unauthorised. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed that communications had been sent to Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, asking them to take down Rapido’s application, according to a report by TOI.

The development follows a letter sent last week by Pune Collector and Regional Transport Authority (RTA) chairperson Jitendra Dudi, who asked the police to shut down the bike taxi service. However, as per TOI report, the service continues to operate across Pune, with the bike taxi option still available on the Rapido app despite an FIR registered against the company.

Why Pune authorities want Rapido bike taxis shut down

The action against Rapido follows concerns over its operations without the required approvals from the transport department. The company’s application seeking permission to run bike taxis is still pending, according to regional transport officials. An RTO official said the company had been warned of legal action if it failed to follow the applicable rules. An FIR was also registered against Rapido last week, bringing the matter into the police and transport authorities’ focus.

The official added that Rapido could receive approval if it fulfilled all the requirements under Maharashtra’s bike taxi policy. However, its alleged unauthorised operations could make the approval process more complicated. For now, there is no confirmation that Google or Apple has removed the app.

Rapido users question move, cite public transport problems

The proposed action has also triggered questions from commuters who depend on bike taxis for daily travel. Some users told ToI that shutting down the service would leave them with fewer transport options in a city where public transport connectivity remains a concern. A resident questioned the authorities’ priorities. The commuter said passengers continued to face problems such as overcharging and misbehaviour by some autorickshaw and cab drivers, while alternatives were not always adequate.

The resident said the bike taxi service had worked well during a recent trip and argued that authorities should address gaps in public transport before removing another option. Another professional also called for better regulation instead of an outright shutdown.

They pointed to the delay in the launch of Metro services, saying a friend living in Hinjewadi Phase III had watched trains run empty for more than a month while the public awaited clarity on when the service would begin.

Autorickshaw unions raise rider verification and safety concerns

Autorickshaw unions have criticised the authorities for issuing notices and letters without ensuring that Rapido’s operations have actually stopped. They have also raised concerns about rider verification and passenger safety. Keshav Kshirsagar, president of Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha and Indian Gig Workers Front, called for the service to be stopped. He referred to a recent case in which the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad reportedly apprehended a bike taxi operator suspected of links with a terrorist organisation in Pakistan.