Bengaluru Metro passengers can now scan a QR code to book an auto rickshaw for last-mile connectivity.
While Bengaluru auto rickshaw drivers unveiled the beta version of MetroMitra services at Jayanagar Metro station on September 6, services finally commenced on September 27.
"We've launched MetroMitra under the banner of the Pro People Professional Drivers Association. We've started the facility at the 'C' entrance of Jayanagar Metro station on September 27," said PL Pattabhiram, an auto driver and co-founder of MetroMitra told Moneycontrol.
He said they will launch services in other Metro stations like RV Road, Sandal Soap Factory, Jalahalli, and Vijayanagar. "The plan is to have 150 auto-rickshaw drivers at each of these stations in one month. We will expand to other stations in a phased manner," he said.
"We are working with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to enable customers to discover MetroMitra auto rickshaws through BMRCL's WhatsApp chatbot (8105556677)", he said.
Also Read | Bengaluru auto drivers unveil MetroMitra for last mile connectivity; ops to commence next week
MetroMitra is an initiative of auto-rickshaw drivers in collaboration with Agnibhu Technologies, LatLong, and GiZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit).
Satya Arikutharam, an urban mobility expert who is guiding the auto-rickshaw drivers, said: "Passengers can visit metromitra.co.in the portal through mobile phone and click 'book a ride' to get the QR-code. There is no need for any mobile application to book auto rides. Our drivers will also distribute visiting cards with QR codes so passengers can scan them to book rides. We will also paste these QR-codes at Metro stations as well as at major landmarks"
He said that they are selecting only professional drivers to ensure ride cancellations are minimised. "This will also guarantee a steady income to the drivers as these rides will be within Metro zones," he said.
The same group of auto drivers launched the Namma Yatri app on November 1, 2022, which is now popular among passengers.
MetroMitra will soon be accessed through multiple buyer applications like Paytm and Pincode, operating on the ONDC network. Shankar Rudrapatna, CEO of Agnibhu Technologies, said, "We will soon join the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) as a seller app. The plan is to extend Metro Mitra services to 25 Metro stations in Bengaluru by March 2024. Currently, ONDC platforms have a pre-fixed fare model, and our model is meter fare plus a Rs 10 convenience charge."
In Bengaluru, the minimum auto rickshaw fare is fixed at Rs 30 for the first 2km and Rs 15 for every additional kilometre, along with a flat Rs 10 fee to cover technology and trip pick-up costs.
Also read: After Namma Yatri app, Bengaluru auto drivers to launch MetroMitra on ONDC platform
In Bengaluru, many people are hesitant to use public transport due to poor last-mile connectivity. In fact, a survey conducted among 3,855 respondents in Bengaluru as part of the Personal2Public campaign launched by NGOs, including the Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC) and WRI India found that 95% of Bengaluru residents who currently use private vehicles to reach their offices expressed their willingness to shift to the Metro.
Bengaluru car users spend 1-1.5 hours in each direction; 95% keen to shift to Metro: Survey report
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