Bike taxis: A survival ride for B’luru's unemployed youth

NT Bengaluru

Bengaluru's bustling streets and notorious traffic jams have made bike-taxi services popular for commuters. With affordable rates and the flexibility of weaving through traffic, bike taxis are now a crucial part of the city’s transport ecosystem. However, beyond being just a convenient mode of transport, they have become a lifeline for many young people navigating unemployment and financial struggles. Imagine booking a bike taxi from Shivajinagar to Majestic for just Rs 70 and getting picked up on a premium motorcycle like a Thunderbird. For some riders, this scenario is a reality as they turn to bike-taxi services to make ends meet amid tough economic conditions. One key factor driving the rise of bike-taxi riders is the challenging job market. A recent wave of layoffs in Bengaluru's startup sector has left many young professionals scrambling for alternatives. Despite the city’s relatively low unemployment rate of 1.8%, educated youth often find it difficult to secure stable jobs. For some, bike taxis offer a temporary but vital solution. Amar (name changed), a 24-year-old rider shared his story with News Trail: “After losing my job, I decided to move abroad.

There’s no scope for me here, but if I earn in euros in Germany, it will be significant when converted to Indian currency.” While preparing for his German language and entrance exams, he drives a bike taxi to support himself. “I choose my working hours and can earn up to Rs 2,000 a day on good days,” he added. For others, the transition is more emotionally taxing. Joseph (name changed), a 25-year-old former data analyst, expressed his distress: “I’m embarrassed to tell my family I lost my job. Coming from a middle-class family in a small town, a job in Bengaluru was a dream. My parents made sacrifices to put me through college and even bought me an expensive bike on EMI. How can I tell them I’m now using that bike to earn money as a taxi rider?” He added, “What hurts more is that I’m earning almost as much as I did as a data analyst. It makes me feel like my four-year degree has no value.” Ajith (name changed), a 23-year-old engineering graduate, shared his frustration with the harsh realities of the job market. “I finished my degree last year, but finding a job in my field has been impossible. The competition is intense, and companies are cutting back,” he said. Faced with mounting student loans and the need to support himself, he turned to bike taxi services to stay afloat. “I cannot afford to sit idle,” he continued.

“You hear all these so-called motivational speakers talk about being unemployed for two years before making it big with their startups or unicorn companies. But you know what unemployment doesn’t do? It doesn’t pay your rent or put food on your plate. Not everyone has the luxury to chase their dream 24/7 for years. That’s why I’m here.” While bike taxi services provide a financial cushion, the underlying issues of job insecurity and career aspirations remain pressing concerns in the city.