Autos have meters. In Bangalore, most autos use meters as just an accessory, not really to calculate fares. An auto hitched from a metro station in Bangalore seldom charges fares by the meter. But looks like Namma Bangalore’s achhe din, may arrive. Here’s the good news! Soon, autos from metro stations across the city will run on meter fares. Read on to know how the wheels will turn on this one.
Bangalore Autos To & From Metro Stations To Get Cheaper!
As per a report by Deccan Herald, the general secretary of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU), Rudramurthy, confirmed that autos to and from the metro stations in Bangalore will run on meter fares. This will be thanks to an app, MetroMitra. Operating on the ONDC network, this app will charge meter fares with ₹10 charged as technology and pickup fee. Rudramurthy stated to Deccan Herald, that MetroMitra will most likely be launched on August 15.
He further added that currently they are doing trial runs on the app. And also, training auto-rickshaw drivers in Bangalore to be professional. ARDU is also in talks with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). This is to integrate MetroMitra services with BMRCL’s WhatsApp chatbot. This way passengers can book an auto through this service.
Metro commuters who purchase their tickets through this WhatsApp chatbot will receive a pop-up message. This message asks them if they’d also like to book an auto to and from their destination in Bangalore. In case they agree, passengers must share their location and they’ll get an auto-assigned.
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Why Should You Look Forward to MetroMitra App?
MetroMitra has many USPs. First, passengers can seamlessly get autos to and from metro stations in Bangalore. Next, pay meter-based fares with an additional ₹10 for technology and pickup cost. Then, they’d also get rides from professionally groomed auto drivers. And lastly, there’s a QR code titled “Know Your Credentials”, to give direct feedback to the auto drivers and to check driver details.
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Bangaloreans, does the MetroMitra app sound like a solution to the rising auto-fare issue? Do you think after the government’s NammaYatri, a subsidised auto-booking app, this could be the answer?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
First Published: July 14, 2023 12:53 PM