Union, experts want more share autos

Transport experts and members of the auto union have said that the expansion of the share-an-autorickshaw scheme is an important measure for improving public transport in the city.

Transport experts and members of the auto union have said that the expansion of the share-an-autorickshaw scheme is an important measure for improving public transport in the city.

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The Mumbai Autorickshaw Men’s Union believes that since sharing autorickshaws is a very good option for commuters, it should be implemented in most of the areas of the city. “The autos are good mode of feeder transport. What we need today is better connectivity from stations and bus depots to destinations. With the monorail and the metro rail coming up in the city, share rickshaws can solve commuters woes,” said Sharad Rao, president of the union.

“The trains will ferry lakhs of commuters everyday, so what we need is to strengthen the feeder transport vehicles such as mini buses, share autos and taxis,” said transport expert Sudhir Badami. Currently, the scheme is running on several routes in eastern and western suburbs like Bandra, Mira Road, Borivli, Nallasopara, Kandivli and Jogeshwari.

Pramod Bapat, a resident of Borivli, believes that the share auto scheme is very commuter-friendly. “There is no chance of refusal. It’s economical as I shell out Rs5 or 6 to reach my destination. It is also faster than the regular auto rides as drivers tend to take more trips to earn more money,” said Bapat.

“We are considering improving the share auto network,” said state transport commissioner Dilip Jadhav.

It has taken the initiative to find out the necessary routes. A survey for the share auto route is being done by a committee of union leaders and transport officials.

Transport experts also feel that it is a good scheme and would be successful in suburbs if more routes were introduced.