Carpooling on the rise after recent price hikes

BENGALURU: Carpooling seems to be gaining popularity in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru, as people seek alternatives to cope with increasing traffic congestion and rising cost of public transportation.

After the recent hike in bus and Metro fares, people are opting for cars and bikes. With the high court’s order to ban bike taxis, the number of cars on the road is also increasing. Approximately, 25 lakh cars were registered up to March this year in Bengaluru alsone.

The increasing number of vehicles on the road has led to a surge in carpooling and booking through online apps. Cars have become popular with around 50,000 carpoolers in Bengaluru. Some people are opting for carpooling as a cost-effective and efficient way to commute, while reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

However, not everyone is pleased with the rise of carpooling. Nataraj Sharma, president of the private transporters’ association, has expressed opposition to carpooling companies operating without licences, claiming that it is a threat to the livelihoods of board cab drivers and called for it to be banned. Sharma has warned of protests if unauthorised carpooling companies are not shut down.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has stated that cars with white number plates should not be used for commercial purposes without proper authorization, and action will be taken against those who violate the law. Despite the Transport Department’s announcement to formulate a carpooling policy, it is yet to see the light of day.