Bengaluru: Private transport associations have opposed the proposed entry of Vietnam-based Green SM, an electric taxi service operated by Vingroup, arguing that its company-owned fleet could threaten the livelihoods of thousands of independent taxi and autorickshaw operators.In a representation to the chief minister, the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations said individual drivers purchase vehicles through bank or non-banking financial company (NBFC) loans and bear expenses such as EMIs, insurance, permits, maintenance and fuel. Since their earnings depend on the number of trips they make each day, they remain particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in demand.The federation argued that Green SM would have an advantage through access to corporate capital, bulk vehicle purchases, its own app and fleet-management systems. These resources, it said, could allow the company to sustain losses for longer and offer fares that individual operators would struggle to match.It also questioned reports of fares starting at Rs 8 per km, arguing that such rates could be below actual operating costs. The federation warned that smaller operators could be forced to lower fares, default on loan repayments or exit the market. Estimating that nearly eight lakh Bengaluru families depend on the autorickshaw and taxi sector, it has sought a cap of 100 vehicles on Green SM’s fleet, an audit of its licence compliance and scrutiny of its fare structure.Meanwhile, commuters have taken to social media, calling for more transport operators and lower fares. Several users argued that increased competition would benefit passengers. “Autorickshaw drivers usually do not come in the direction of our ride. Even if they agree to come, they do not switch on the meter. More cab operators is always better for the city,” one user commented.Another user said the opposition was driven by commercial interests rather than commuters’ concerns: “The current controversy is market-driven. Those already in the business do not want another player to enter.”
