In large cities, online services for taxis, bike transport, and local delivery have become a convenient way to travel. Thanks to apps like Rapido and Uber, users can order rides anytime and anywhere, and riders arrive promptly. This has significantly simplified people's lives while providing thousands of drivers and riders with a simple employment option.
Many people who come to centers such as Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram in search of a better life and work face difficulties finding stable employment. Because of this, many choose the gig worker profession—bike rider, courier, or taxi driver. This job offers both an earning opportunity and a high degree of flexibility, allowing them to work according to their own schedule.
During daily commutes to and from work, riders interact with passengers, which gives them a chance to learn more about these people's jobs. Some of them openly shared details of their activities and income levels. From these conversations, it became clear that the job is not easy, but under conditions where guaranteed employment is absent, motorcycle earnings are an acceptable option.
A rider named Rajanish spoke about the problems associated with working through the app. He reported that he works full-time. Initially, he came to Noida for data entry work, where a salary of 15,000 rupees per month was discussed, but he was rejected at the last moment. After unsuccessful attempts to find a second job and running out of funds, he was advised to try his hand as a part-time rider.
Rajanish, who came from Bihar, uses a rented electric motorcycle because he does not have his own transport. He works four hours in the morning and four hours in the evening. The company deducts 8–10 percent from any income earned within a 2-kilometer radius. Thus, he earns between 1000 and 1200 rupees for eight hours of work. If he does not spend 300 rupees on motorcycle rental daily, his income can reach 1300–1500 rupees.
Another rider, Rakesh, started the conversation during a morning ride. He asked if it was possible to find part-time work since he is studying and uses the bike to cover expenses. However, he noted that the job is so exhausting that he lacks the energy for studying afterward.
When asked about the balance between work, income, study, and rest, Rakesh explained that he rides the motorcycle from 6 to 8 AM, and then another three hours late at night. In between, he studies and rests. Since there are few orders in the morning, he spends two hours riding around. He reported that he usually gets 3–4 orders per hour. Despite the motorcycle belonging to him, fuel costs are required. Even after deducting fuel costs and the company's percentage, he receives about 300 rupees for two morning hours.
According to Rakesh, earnings increase at night, approximately from 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM, because tariffs are higher and the commission percentage is lower. Working three hours at night, he can easily earn 600 rupees. Overall, if he manages to complete only four small orders per hour, 150 rupees remain in his pocket after all deductions, regardless of the time of day.
The work of these riders delivering people to their destinations is undoubtedly difficult. Nevertheless, in current circumstances where finding a good job is becoming increasingly difficult, this activity serves as a decent source of income. The main advantage of this job is that the worker controls their own schedule: they decide when to work, when to rest, and how long to stay online.