Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi has written to Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, seeking the removal of Rapido’s bike-taxi booking option from its mobile application in Pune. The request follows an FIR filed against the company over allegations that it operated bike-taxi services without the necessary licences and permissions.
The development intensifies the regulatory dispute surrounding app-based bike taxis in Pune, where transport authorities have directed Rapido to stop its two-wheeler services until the required approvals are obtained.
Why Has Pune Collector Asked for Rapido’s App Feature to Be Disabled?
According to reports, Dudi has asked the police commissioner to direct the cyber cell to disable the bike-taxi booking option on Rapido’s app until the company obtains the necessary permissions.
The collector, who also heads the Pune Regional Transport Authority (RTA), had previously instructed Rapido to stop its pilot bike-taxi operations. Authorities said the company could not continue offering paid passenger transport through two-wheelers without the required licence.
Despite those instructions and the subsequent police complaint, the bike-taxi option was reportedly still visible on the app. This prompted the collector to seek action against the digital feature facilitating the bookings.
FIR Filed Over Alleged Unauthorised Bike-Taxi Operations
The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) filed an FIR against Roppen Transportation Services Pvt Ltd, which operates Rapido, on October 16, 2026.
According to the complaint, the company allegedly facilitated paid passenger rides using motorcycles registered for private, non-transport use without the necessary authorisation.
The alleged violation came to light during an enforcement operation in the Yerawada area. An RTO inspector reportedly booked a ride through the app, after which officials questioned the rider and took action against the vehicle.
The FIR invokes provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. The allegations remain subject to investigation and should not be treated as a final judicial finding.
Autorickshaw Unions Demand Stricter Enforcement
The continued availability of the bike-taxi option has drawn criticism from autorickshaw unions, which have questioned why the service remained accessible after the FIR was registered.
Union representatives have demanded that the authorities enforce the collector’s directions and ensure that app-based transport services comply with existing regulations.
The dispute also reflects the wider tension between traditional autorickshaw operators and app-based bike-taxi services. Some commuters have supported bike taxis because they can offer a more affordable alternative for short journeys, while transport authorities have focused on licensing, vehicle registration and passenger safety requirements.
What Rules Must Aggregators Follow?
Pune authorities have reiterated that aggregators must obtain the necessary permissions before operating bike-taxi services. They have also reminded cab and auto aggregators about requirements concerning driver payouts, fare limits and the sharing of monthly operational data with the RTA.
The state has previously indicated that its bike-taxi policy includes specific conditions, including the use of electric two-wheelers for authorised services. Rapido’s application for the necessary approvals was reportedly still pending.
Will Rapido Bike Taxis Stop Operating in Pune?
The collector’s letter seeks the removal of the booking option, but the request itself does not establish that the app feature has already been disabled. The next step depends on the police department’s response and any further action by the relevant authorities.
Rapido’s response to the latest request was awaited at the time of reporting.
For commuters and riders, the immediate issue is whether the service will remain available while the licensing dispute continues. The broader outcome will depend on regulatory decisions and the company’s ability to meet the applicable requirements.
Summary
Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi has asked Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar to have the cyber cell remove Rapido’s bike-taxi booking option from its app. The request follows an October 16 FIR alleging that Rapido facilitated paid rides using privately registered motorcycles without the required permissions. Autorickshaw unions are demanding stricter enforcement, while the app’s removal and the company’s response remain unresolved.
