Noida launches women-only auto service

Transport department officials flagged off the first batch of 75 autos that will ply exclusively for women passengers, after 7pm

The transport department has launched city’s first women-only autorickshaw service. On Friday, department officials flagged off the first batch of 75 autos that will ply exclusively for women passengers, after 7pm.

Officials said that the autorickshaws will be stationed outside the Botanic Garden and City Centre Metro stations. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

“These autos will be stationed at the Botanical Garden and City Centre Metro stations and can be hired only by women. It is a very important step towards providing last-mile connectivity for Noida’s working women,” said Alok Singh, assistant regional transport officer, Gautam Budh Nagar.

The autos will be driven by male drivers who the transport department claims have an excellent track record.

“After implementation of the odd-even car rule in Delhi, Noida’s women residents working in the capital will face problems. The women-only auto service will facilitate them in dealing with the new rules. The aim of this service is to provide connectivity from major Metro stations,” said Singh.

He added the autos will be available from 7 pm to midnight. Last week, the transport department had also conducted a workshop with drivers of the autos included under the scheme. “The workshop included gender sensitisation and talked about safety and security of women. The auto drivers were asked to follow the rules strictly in order to make the scheme a success,” Singh said.

“We have more than 14,000 autos registered in the city. We can easily promote this scheme and add more vehicles for the women-only service,” said Omprakash Gurjar, president, Gautam Budh Nagar autorickshaw union.