Autorickshaw ride in the city turned ‘smart’ on Wednesday.
The Smart Auto, a joint initiative of Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union and Vehicle ST, a start-up incubated at the the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) facility at Angamaly, was launched by C. Divakaran, MLA, at a function held at the Ernakulam Town Hall.
As many as 100 autorickshaws will be linked to the app in the initial phase. Accordingly, a specially-programmed tablet will be provided to each vehicle.
The application, which can be downloaded from Google Playstore, has features that offer a safe and secure journey with the help of a GPS-enabled vehicle tracking and monitoring system.
It also has a panic button-embedded special alert-cum-security feature, which can be used by women passengers to alert the police or call centre for help.
The traveller can use the passenger information system to know the route and browse. Binu Varghese, secretary, Autorickshaw Drivers Union, Ernakulam, said the app would serve as a platform connecting customers with vehicle owners, besides allowing tracking, navigation. One can also quote the best rates. The users can choose pick-up locations and the type of vehicle they need or schedule a trip later.
They can go for the ‘ride and bid for the best rate’ using a list of vehicles available.
KMRL initiative
The initiative is part of efforts by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to move towards seamless integration of public transportation in the city.
Around 600 more autorickshaws will be added to the smart network in the second phase.
Interestingly, the KMRL authorities have agreed to extend the multi-purpose Kochi One smart card to autorickshaws switching to the online mode.