Uber Introduces Women-Only Bike Taxi Service in Bengaluru

Uber India has officially launched 'Uber Moto Women,' a pioneering initiative that marks the company's first-ever women-exclusive bike taxi service worldwide. The service connects female riders with female drivers, providing a safe and convenient travel option in Bengaluru, with plans to expand to other major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

This new service is expected to contribute significantly to Uber's efforts to provide more inclusive and secure transportation options for women in India.

Safety Features to Ensure Passenger Security

To prioritize safety, Uber Moto Women incorporates several advanced safety measures. The service includes real-time trip sharing, which allows riders to share their trip details with up to five trusted contacts. Additionally, phone number anonymisation is employed to protect both riders' and drivers' personal information.

Another key feature is RideCheck, a system that monitors any deviations in the route or unexpected stops. This ensures that passengers are safe and secure throughout their journey. A dedicated 24x7 safety helpline is also available, offering priority support for women users, further emphasizing Uber's commitment to passenger security.

Expansion Plans for Uber Moto Women

While the service is initially launched in Bengaluru, Uber has outlined plans for an expansion to other major cities across India. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad are expected to be the next locations to receive the service.

This move comes at a time when India’s bike taxi sector has seen remarkable growth, particularly in Bengaluru, which generates over 1 million monthly bike taxi rides. Uber's introduction of a women-only service is poised to meet the increasing demand for safer travel options for women in urban areas.

Growth of the Bike Taxi Sector in India

According to KPMG data, the Indian bike taxi sector has been growing rapidly, with more than 280 million rides recorded across platforms in 2022 alone. The sector is dominated by companies like Rapido, which holds a market share of approximately 60%. Despite the rapid growth of bike taxis, the Motor Vehicles Act currently does not recognize motorcycles as eligible vehicles for contract carriage services, which has led to bans in some states.

However, the Union government is working on proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act that would allow motorcycles to operate as “contract carriers.” If passed, this legal framework could significantly impact the bike taxi industry in India, facilitating further growth and stability.

Challenges and Opposition to Bike Taxis

Despite the popularity of bike taxis, they face opposition from three-wheeler and taxi unions, who argue that bike taxis put them at a disadvantage due to their lower operating costs. These unions have been vocal in their opposition, which has contributed to the legal challenges faced by the sector. The amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, however, could help resolve these concerns and provide a more structured and regulated framework for the bike taxi industry in India.