Pune Police ask Google and Apple to remove Rapido app over unauthorised bike taxi service

Pune Police have written to Google and Apple asking that the Rapido app be removed from the Play Store and the App Store. The city administration is stepping up action against the company's bike taxi service, but the service is still running in the city.

Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed the move. He said letters seeking removal of the app had already been sent to both technology companies.

The step comes a week after Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi, who also heads the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), wrote to the police asking them to get the bike taxi service shut down. An FIR was also registered against the company at around the same time.

RTO officials say the app may soon stop working in the city if Rapido does not obtain the necessary permissions. The company's application to run bike taxis is still pending with the transport department. An RTO official, who did not wish to be named, said the company had been warned of legal action if it did not follow the rules.

The same official said Rapido could get approval if it fulfils all the conditions of the state's bike taxi policy. However, running the service without permission could add to its difficulties.

Despite the FIR, rides on the app are running across Pune.

Some commuters have objected to the action. They say the city's public transport service is poor, and that autorickshaw and cab drivers often overcharge or misbehave with passengers.

Autorickshaw unions have welcomed the action. They also criticised the authorities for sending letters without making sure the service is actually stopped. The unions also raised concerns about the verification of riders and the safety of passengers.