The six month old company Zipgo, which is an app based shuttle service is again in trouble and has suspended its services. The Karnataka transport department which earlier had raided Zipgo’s office, has now again raised issues over Zipgo’s permit.
The obvious reason which can be inferred is that the startup works in the same space as Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation and is a direct competitor.
Ramegowda, Karnataka’s commissioner for transport and road safety has stated that the startup is operating illegally and needs to to obtain a permit, a stage carriage permit but won’t get it here because it’s the same functional area as the BMTC.
Zipgo’s founders have apparently sent a mail to all its users appealing that “ZipGo needs your help to avoid service disruptions”.
Zipgo has claimed that all the vehicles on its platform comply with all the regulations and laws specifically Section 2(7) of the Motor Vehicles Act but the RTO department had developed a “severe dislike” for it and thus is not allowing it to operate.
Public can send emails of support on care@ZipGo.in, which will be forwarded to the Karnataka Transportation Ministry.
The statement in the mail said, “So, if you feel that ZipGo has made a positive difference in your everyday life, or that the government should promote entrepreneurship, or that the RTO needs to stop its high-handed approach, or that the RTO should engage in constructive dialogues with technology start-ups to find solutions rather than trying to shut down every transportation start-up, you should send a mail.” [Source]
