Dial an auto

Dial an auto
By: Chetan RDate: 2009-01-15

Bangalore:

Somashekar, seen here as the passenger, says the new eco-friendly autos will have GPS Pic/Vinod Kumar.T

Instead of calling for an expensive cab, you can soon opt for the cheaper alternative: the 'call auto'

Very soon, you can call for an auto instead of a cab.

The service by Bangalore Auto Drivers' Souharda Cooperative Society awaits government approval.

"This is a first-of-its-kind auto service," said Somashekar, president of the cooperative society. "It's designed to deliver better services on par with taxis in the city."

The service provides facilities such as printed bills, toll free, SMS and online booking, and is costlier compared to existing autos, but marginally cheaper than taxis. The service is also called Green Auto, as the vehicles are environment friendly.

"Call autos are zero pollution vehicles," added Somashekar. "They also have GPS, a first in India, and windshields to ensure safe travel. The autos are designed to enhance services to public." In fact, the autos are painted green and white, symbolic of a 'pure' service.

However, some people feel the proposed fares are too high. While call autos charge Rs 30 as minimum fare and Rs 9 for every kilometer, taxis charge Rs 12 for a kilometer. Autos also restrict the number of customers to three and have no space for luggage.

"Such autos, though they ensure good services, are no better choice to taxis," said Shivkumar M, who uses taxi often. "Taxis are more comfortable and safer compared to autos," he said.

"The proposed fares are expensive," said M N Shrihari, advisor to the chief minister on urban transport. "Decisions will be taken once we have more details," he added.