Autorickshaw drivers in the district are in for an image makeover with a corresponding change in their service delivery through technology infusion. As part of this, a cooperative society of 25,000-odd drivers, cutting across political affiliations, is set to be registered with a flashy name by this month-end.
The bylaw for the proposed society is being finalised while a contest is being held among autorickshaw operators to come up with a name, which is short and memorable akin to the names of online cab networks.
M.B. Syamanthabhadran, CITU leader and general convener of the coordination committee of trade unions, said that the initiative to bring together autorickshaw workers on a common platform irrespective of trade union affiliations was to meet the twin objective of adapting to the changes in the transportation sector in view of the impending passage of the Unified Metropolitan Transportation Authority and to counter the challenges posed by online cab networks.
“The bylaw has been finalised and now awaits approval by each constituent trade union. Though we have begun with autorickshaw operators alone, in due course, other motor workers will also be co-opted. No worker will be turned away on the ground of their political ideology,” he said.
A convention of autorickshaw workers would be held shortly as a prelude to the formation of the society.
Changes starting with a change in uniform and title of autorickshaw drivers have been proposed in connection with the initiative.
Change in uniform
“To begin with, autorickshaw drivers will be hitherto known as auto-pilots while the government is considering a requisite amendment in the Motor Vehicle Act to effect a change in the uniform,” said Mr. Syamanthabhadran. He was optimistic that with the advent of the cooperative society, the constant squabbles between autorickshaw operators and passengers would become a thing of the past.
A reasonable rate fixed by the government will be followed by operators, while swiping machines will be installed on board the vehicles to facilitate online payment.