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Event Report — Consultation on Shared Mobility and Intermediate Public Transport (IPT) in Karnataka | CPPR
ABOUT THE TOPIC
The Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kochi, in collaboration with Christ University, organised a stakeholder roundtable titled “Unlocking Shared Mobility in Karnataka” on 6 August 2026 at Christ University, Bengaluru. The roundtable examined the regulatory challenges affecting shared Intermediate Public Transport (IPT), particularly share-autos, share-taxis and mini-buses, and explored pathways to formally recognise and enable these services.
The discussions highlighted a fundamental regulatory gap: existing stage and contract carriage frameworks do not adequately accommodate small-vehicle shared services involving multiple passengers, separate fares, intermediate stops and flexible routing. Drawing on ground realities from Bengaluru, Melukote and CPPR’s research in Hubballi-Dharwad, participants discussed the role of shared mobility in strengthening first- and last-mile connectivity and improving access to public transport.
The roundtable explored three potential pathways: modifying existing contract-carriage permits, creating a dedicated shared-IPT category, and notifying a Shared Mobility Scheme under Section 67 of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. The experience of Puducherry was also discussed as a potential precedent. The event brought together research and stakeholder perspectives to advance a practical policy dialogue on creating a transparent, legally recognised and sustainable framework for shared mobility in Karnataka.