Yellow Number Plates | Hyderabad, Sept. 7 (Maxim News): Telangana may soon require Rapido, Uber and Ola bike taxis to use yellow number plates for carrying passengers.
The Transport Department is considering a rule that would allow bike taxis to operate only as commercial vehicles. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar recently said the government would take a decision on the issue.
The move could affect thousands of bike taxi riders across Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana. The proposal has also gained importance amid demands from auto unions for stricter regulation of app based bike taxi services.
Under the proposed system, riders using motorcycles for passenger services would need commercial registration. They would also need to meet applicable tax, permit and fitness requirements.
The key difference would appear on the registration plate. Private vehicles generally carry white plates, while transport vehicles use the prescribed commercial registration format.
Telangana’s transport system already distinguishes between private and transport vehicle categories. The Transport Department also maintains procedures for permits and commercial vehicle services.
However, the bike taxi sector has operated in a regulatory grey area. Many riders use privately registered motorcycles while providing paid rides through online platforms.
Transport authorities and auto unions have objected to this practice. They argue that commercial passenger services should follow transport vehicle requirements.
Yellow Number Plates move could raise costs for riders
Converting a motorcycle for commercial use could increase the operating cost for bike taxi riders.
The proposal may involve conversion charges and commercial road tax. Riders could also face quarterly tax, fitness certification costs, green tax and permit related charges, depending on the final regulatory framework.
The Telangana Transport Department already lists taxes and other charges for vehicle services. Its online system also provides for tax payments, service fees and green tax.
The reported conversion cost of ₹3,000 for a two wheeler should be treated as a proposed or applicable charge only after the government issues a formal notification. The exact cost structure could change with the final decision.
The proposal has also raised concerns among bike taxi riders. Higher compliance costs could make low cost passenger services less attractive for some riders.
At the same time, auto unions have long argued that bike taxis compete with regulated auto services without facing the same compliance costs.
The Telangana government has already agreed to revise auto fares after talks with auto unions. It also plans to develop a dedicated ride hailing application for auto drivers.
If a strict yellow plate requirement takes effect, some existing bike taxi riders may decide to leave the sector. Industry and union estimates have suggested that more than 18,000 bike taxis could be affected, although the government has not officially confirmed that figure.
A reduction in bike taxi availability could affect affordable urban travel. Passengers who currently use two wheeler taxis may shift to autos or cabs.
That could increase demand for other forms of transport, especially during peak hours. Any increase in fares would depend on supply, demand and the final government rules.
For now, the yellow plate requirement remains under consideration. The government’s final notification will determine the registration, tax, permit and fitness conditions that bike taxi operators must meet.
The decision could therefore reshape Telangana’s app based mobility sector while also changing the competitive balance between bike taxis, autos and cab services. (Maxim News)
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