Aaditya Thackeray Slams Bike Taxi Proposal, Says BJP Plans to Privatise and Phase Out BEST

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday strongly criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government over its proposal to introduce and promote bike taxis in Mumbai, alleging that the move by the ruling government is a deliberate attempt to privatise and eventually phase out the city’s iconic BEST bus service.

While speaking to the press, Aaditya Thackeray said, “A bike taxi can only carry one person. Instead of promoting such a service, the government should focus on strengthening BEST. The BJP is privatising BEST, and by introducing bike taxis, they are trying to shut it down altogether. This is nothing short of an attempt to kill public transport in Mumbai.”

Comparing the cost and efficiency of bike taxis with BEST bus services, Thackeray said, “While you can travel a longer distance on a BEST bus for just Rs 15, a bike taxi will only cover 1.5 km for the same amount. It makes no economic sense for common Mumbaikars.”

Slamming the BJP, Aaditya Thackeray said the party wants to sell off depots to builders, make public transport unaffordable, and hand over Mumbai’s lifeline to private players.

The Worli legislator, Aaditya Thackeray, also targeted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying, “The CM should focus on real issues like traffic, transport, and infrastructure instead of petty political matters like who becomes whose PA (personal assistant).”