CHENNAI: Mohammad Gaddafi has a PhD. in history from Presidency College. The differently-abled research scholar was unable to land a job. Wanting a means to make a difference to people like him, and to make a living, he ventured out to start bike taxis in the city, first of its kind. “Despite having educational qualifications, physically challenged people like me fail to find jobs. It is very disappointing. We are 10 members of the City Cricket Association, all physically challenged who came together in this initiative. We ride our special bikes either full-time or part-time dropping off customers to earn a living,” said the 35-year-old who has applied for a permit for the bike taxis but hasn't received a response from the transport department.
According to Gaddafi, these men had their own special bikes did not have money to buy petrol. What started as a business about four months back, has now found a stable standing and they have earned a few regular commuters too. “Office-goers and those who don't like paying huge cab fares call us, and we drop them at their destinations,” said J Balaji, one of the riders of Bike Taxi club. Those who ride the bikes part time (6 pm to 12 midnight) earn about Rs 600 per day while those who ride full time (10 am to 10 pm) earn about Rs 1,000-1,500 per day. “Initially, customers were apprehensive of our service. Now, they are encouraging us. We have some regular customers too,” added Gaddafi. Currently, these bike taxis ply in areas like Chennai Central, Parrys, Mint Street Sowcarpet, Vysarpadi and Mannadi. Those who wish to hop on, ring 8939391259.
