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How safe are women using app-based bike taxis in India today? After a Bengaluru woman accused a Rapido rider of inappropriate behaviour, the case has reignited serious questions about women’s safety and accountability in ride-hailing services.
The Wilson Garden Police have filed an FIR and launched an investigation.
Bengaluru: A disturbing case has emerged from Bengaluru where a woman alleged that a Rapido bike taxi rider touched her thighs and legs multiple times during a ride despite repeated warnings. The incident reportedly took place around 4 pm on Thursday. According to the police, the woman recorded the incident on her phone and later approached the Wilson Garden Police Station to lodge a complaint. The accused, identified as Lokesh, has been booked, and an FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The woman stated that she felt unsafe throughout the journey and urged authorities to take firm action against such drivers to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Rapido must act decisively to maintain public trust and ensure passenger safety. The company should immediately suspend the rider involved pending investigation and cooperate fully with law enforcement. Additionally, Rapido needs to enhance its rider verification system by conducting deeper background and behavioural checks, including criminal record verification and regular re-screenings.
A transparent redressal system is crucial. Rapido should create a dedicated emergency helpline, accessible directly through its app, allowing passengers to report harassment instantly. Publicly communicating the actions taken against offenders would also demonstrate accountability and help rebuild user confidence.
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Rapido should prioritize preventive measures such as installing GPS-based live tracking with a visible sharing option for passengers to send trip details to trusted contacts. Integrating an AI-powered alert system that detects unusual route deviations could also improve safety.
Furthermore, the company could introduce a "verified rider rating" program where only drivers maintaining consistently high behaviour ratings are allowed to operate. Regular safety awareness training for riders, especially concerning women’s safety, must become mandatory.
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Women travelling alone on bike taxis or cab services should take practical precautions. Always verify the driver’s identity and number plate before starting the ride. Sharing trip details with friends or family and keeping location tracking active throughout the journey are simple but effective safety steps.
Carrying a personal safety alarm or pepper spray can also help in emergencies. Most importantly, if a passenger feels uncomfortable, she should end the ride immediately and move to a public area before seeking help.
The Bengaluru case is not an isolated event. Across India, reports of harassment and assault against women passengers in public and private transport have been steadily increasing. Experts say many such incidents never reach the police due to fear, stigma, or lack of trust in the system.
Women’s safety advocates argue that better enforcement of transport regulations and gender-sensitivity training for service providers are essential. As India’s urban mobility expands through app-based platforms, ensuring the dignity and safety of every woman passenger remains a collective responsibility.
