BMRCL officials say that they are studying the possibility of integrating Metro Mitra with Namma Metro app and WhatsApp chat-bot.
The Metro Mitra app which was launched on Sept. 27, to provide first and last mile connectivity from metro stations through autorickshaws, is yet to be fully operational as the drivers equipped with the app say they face threats from local autorickshaw drivers.
Pattabhirama. P.L, Organising Secretary of the Auto rickshaw Driver’s Union (ARDU) said, “We are threatened by the local auto rickshaw drivers who do not operate on meter charges near the metro stations. We only charge an additional Rs. 10 on the meter fare for maintenance. Customers are more likely to choose us and this will affect their business. So, they are harassing us every day that it has become difficult for us to properly run the Metro Mitra app.” He said that ARDU has complained to the traffic department.
However, the Bangalore Traffic Police said that the problem should be reported to the police department rather than coming to the traffic police. Dr. Anil Kumar P. Grampurohit, Police Inspector of Traffic Planning, said, “Harassment by fellow auto drivers is a law-and-order issue. The ARDU members should approach the police department.” He added, “If autorickshaws are parked near the No-Parking zones of metro stations, the traffic department can take action against them.”
One solution, some say, can be linking the app with the Namma Metro app. Shankar Rudrapatna, CEO of Agnibhu Technologies which developed the app said, “The app is completely ready to be used. However, the drivers are reluctant to use it as they are threatened and harassed by the local auto rickshaw drivers near the metro stations.” He added that the ARDU is waiting for Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) to integrate the app with their Namma Metro app and WhatsApp chat-bot, so that it will be easier for commuters to book auto rickshaws while they book metro tickets.
Officials are studying the pros and cons of integrating Metro Mitra with Namma Metro app. B.L. Yashavanth Chavan, Chief Public Relations Officer, BMRCL , said, “We will be responsible for the conduct of the auto rickshaw drivers if Metro Mitra is integrated with Namma Metro app. So, we have to study more about it before any integration,” he said.
The Metro Mitra app was launched as a collaborative mobility initiative by the BMRCL and the ARDU. A commuter is not required to download the app to avail the service. The auto rickshaw drivers will be equipped with the app. To book an auto, the commuter has to scan a QR code standee in the metro station to enter a destination within five-km radius of the metro station. The ride can also be booked directly from the Metro Mitra website. The users are charged an additional Rs. 10 on the meter fare for maintenance.
The service was launched in four metro stations – Vijayanagar, Hosahalli, Jayanagar and Rashtreeya Vidyalaya Road. However, it is not available in any of these stations.
At Vijayanagar metro station, a metro staff at the ticket counter said that she is not aware of the application. She said that it might be available at Cubbon Park metro station. The local autorickshaw drivers at the Vijayanagar metro station said, “It is not available here. Check at the Jayanagar metro station.”
The security staff at the Hosahalli metro station also said that he is not aware of the application. “I have not heard of anything like that. We don’t have any ticket counters for autorickshaws,” he said.
At Jayanagar metro station, a metro staff said that the app is not launched yet. Another staff said that if the QR code standee for the app is not placed at the entrance C, then the service is not available.
At Rashtreeya Vidyalaya (RV) Road metro station, a security staff said, “There are autos available outside. Other than that, we don’t have any QR code standees here to book autos online.”
Sanjana, a metro commuter who travels from Vajarahalli station to RV Road station, said, “I have read the launch of the Metro Mitra app in newspapers. However, I have not used it yet.” She expected that the application will benefit metro commuters. “Most auto-booking apps do not have a fixed fare. It would be great to have some new auto-booking apps like the Metro Mitra which is expected to give a fair deal,” she added.
Nidhi, another commuter, said, “Local autos charge a huge amount. But when most of the auto-booking apps cancel our rides or not arrive in time, we are forced to use the local autos. I think that apps like the Metro Mitra will be helpful to tackle this issue.”
Prof. M.N. Sreehari, traffic management expert, said, “First and last mile connectivity from metro stations is still a challenge in Bengaluru. It can be solved only if the metro is properly integrated with public transport.” He added that auto rickshaws should operate on metered fares so that public can use it as a means to tackle connectivity issues.
