Mysore/Mysuru: Auto drivers of city staged a protest opposing the State Government’s proposal to give permission to E-Bikes and also against the unauthorised plying of white board bike taxis in city.

Members of the Federation of Auto Drivers Associations assembled near the Deputy Commissioner’s Office carrying posters opposing the Government’s move and protested against the introduction of E-Bike Taxi services in city.

Alleging that the State Government is snatching the livelihood of auto drivers, they said that despite severe constraints and rising costs of operation, auto drivers were operating to earn their livelihood and also contributing to Government’s revenue. “The Bike Taxi operators are already on job and operate as Bike Taxi drivers to earn additional income, the protestors said.

But auto drivers are solely dependent on autos to earn their  livelihood and have no other source of income. The introduction of E-Bikes and unauthorised plying White Board Bike Taxis are detrimental to our interests, they added.

The protesting auto drivers were led by the Convenors of the Federation Lion M. Manjunath, C.N. Srinivas  and N. Raghu.