‘Honest auto service’ fails to take off

With 95,000 auto rickshaws operating on Mumbai’s streets, commuters have constantly complained about auto drivers who refuse to ply short distances, fleece them through rigged meters and indulge in misbehaviour. ‘Rickshawale’, the first dial-a-rickshaw service in the city, claims to improve and enhance this commuting experience.

With 95,000 auto rickshaws operating on Mumbai’s streets, commuters have constantly complained about auto drivers who refuse to ply short distances, fleece them through rigged meters and indulge in misbehaviour. ‘Rickshawale’, the first dial-a-rickshaw service in the city, claims to improve and enhance this commuting experience.

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To avail of this service, which was started in October last year, you have to simply dial the number, give them your pick-up point and destination details and pay Rs. 20 as convenience charge. Rickshawale promises an honest rickshaw service, at your doorstep.

Although the venture has scaled up its membership from 250 to 400 drivers today, the service is not as popular as it was when it first started. It used to receive about 700 bookings a day in its initial months but today the number has fallen to 250 to 300.

Hemant Jain, one of the founders of Rickshawale said: “The service is very much in existence but it is not as big as it used to be. We are working with whatever manpower we have.”

Jain said that autos provided by his service use only electronic meters, so there is no question of tampering. Commuters have to pay the same meter fare as they are used to, since tariffs approved by the state transport department are charged by the service, he said.

Also, Jain adds, the service ensures a safe trip since the drivers are trained, qualified, licensed and permitted to ferry passengers. In case a commuter forgets a piece of baggage in the rickshaw, he can later claim it through the helpline.

“I would use the service only so that I would not have to wait for several minutes to get a rickshaw. It will be at my doorstep and the hassle of refusals would be averted. Besides, it is a 24-hour service,” said Ameya Mungi, a 22-year-old engineering student.

According to Jain, the service is also beneficial for auto drivers since it provides them with added perks, ranging from accident insurance and regular servicing of their vehicles to Pollution Under Control certification.