An Auto-Metro Feeder Service In Kochi: Rickshaw Drivers To Be Empowered To Issue Tickets To Those Hailing A Ride

In a novel move, autorickshaw drivers operating feeder services to Kochi Metro will issue tickets to passengers who avail of the service, reports The New Indian Express. The decision was taken at a meeting attended by officers of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), police, officials from the Motor Vehicles Department and coordination committee of the autorickshaw drivers of the city.

Another decision stemming from the meet is to display fare charts in all autorickshaws. The feeder service will be run by the Ernakulam Autorickshaw Drivers Co-operative Society with fares starting at Rs 10 for the initial two kilometres on a shared ride. Every extra kilometre will incur a charge of Rs 5.

“The attempt to issue tickets is to bring transparency and accountability. The decision will bring about a change in the scenario and the way commuters and autorickshaw drivers treat each other,” stated KMRL managing director A P M Mohammed Hanish.

It has also been decided that joint inspections by police, KMRL officials and representatives of the auto drivers society will be carried out to select pick up points for the feeder service.

The Ernakulam Autorickshaw Drivers Co-operative Society, which will be made of up six auto unions, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday (17 February 2019) at the Durbar Hall Ground.

The society also aims to provide job opportunities for the family members of auto drivers by helping them set up small scale businesses. It expects to eventually have 15,000 drivers come together under it.