The Maharashtra government has decided to legalise bike taxi services from August 1. Drivers will need to possess a Maharashtra domicile certificate and operate through registered aggregators. The move seeks to regularise app-based bike taxi services that have so far operated without a legal framework in the state. Speaking to The Indian Express, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said, "We are planning to make bike taxis legal from August 1 through a proper aggregator framework. Every bike taxi will operate through an app where services can be monitored." Under the proposed framework, aggregators will be required to pay Rs 5 per ride to the state government and contribute 2% of the fare towards a welfare fund to be administered by the State Transport Authority. The welfare fund will be used for the benefit of drivers associated with bike taxis as well as four-wheeler aggregator platforms. Drivers will also have to fulfil all prescribed conditions, including obtaining the necessary licence, a government-issued badge and meeting other eligibility requirements before they are permitted to operate.