Good news! Mumbai gets back its bike taxis; check fares & more
Ola, Uber, and Rapido have received approval from the Maharashtra State Transport Authority
The firms must apply for permanent licences within a month, complying with all terms of Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules 2025
Base fare set at ₹15 for the first 1.5 km and ₹10.27 for every additional km
Fares are derived from the Khatua Committee formula, used for autos and taxis
Until now, bike taxis operated without approval, with RTOs filing cases against violators
Smart-Ride’s application was rejected for non-compliance
STA will review and revise fares after one year, factoring in inflation and fuel costs
The Maharashtra State Transport Authority (STA) has granted provisional licences to Ola, Uber, and Rapido, allowing them to launch app-based bike taxi services in Mumbai and across the state. This move, backed by the Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules, 2025, promises faster, cheaper, and more flexible travel options for millions of commuters. With fares starting at just ₹15, bike taxis are set to offer a pocket-friendly alternative to autorickshaws and cabs.
Bike taxi services in Mumbai: Know fares & other details
The fare structure has been a central point of discussion. The STA has fixed the base fare at ₹15 for the first 1.5 km, followed by ₹10.27 for every subsequent kilometre. When compared with autorickshaws (₹26 base fare, ₹17.14 per km) and black-and-yellow taxis (₹31 base fare, ₹20.66 per km), bike taxis clearly emerge as the most affordable mode of transport. However, the move is not without precedent.
Until now, Mumbai’s bike taxis existed in a legal grey zone, with aggregators often using private two-wheelers against government regulations. Regional transport offices frequently cracked down on these services, filing cases and seizing vehicles. Yet, commuters embraced them for their speed and affordability, especially for last-mile connectivity. This demand ultimately pushed the state to frame a formal policy in April 2025, applicable to all cities in Maharashtra with populations above 1 lakh.
New rules derived from Khatua Committee’s formula
The new rules borrow heavily from the Khatua Committee’s formula, which has traditionally guided fare revisions for autos and kaali-peelis. The STA has also announced that fares will be reviewed annually, to account for inflation and fuel price shifts. But for now, the pricing has been positioned to undercut existing short-haul transport options, making it attractive for both daily commuters and gig-economy earners.
Interestingly, not all applicants received approval. While Ola, Uber, and Rapido have secured their provisional licences, Smart-Ride’s bid was rejected for failing to meet the compliance requirements. The approved players have one month to submit full documentation in order to transition to permanent licences, during which they can begin rolling out their services.
Better access to Mumbai's railway and metro stations, bus stops & other areas
For commuters, the 'official' rollout of bike taxis in Mumbai marks a significant change in the city's transport options. With better access around railway stations, metro hubs, and bus depots, the service is expected to improve last-mile travel. For drivers and operators, it creates new earning opportunities, though challenges in fleet registration, safety standards, and regulatory compliance remain.
Other cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi have seen inconsistent policies and periodic bans, but Mumbai’s framework provides clearer direction. What began as an ‘illegal workaround’ is now set to become a regulated and affordable part of the city’s daily commute.
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