App-based autos to start plying on Nov 19 in Ggn

After a successful test run conducted in October, the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon will officially roll out its application-based auto-rickshaw service ‘G-Auto’ — modelled along the lines of Uber or Ola on November 19. These autos will the first in Gurgaon to run on physical meters and will charge a flat rate of Rs 8 per km, with Rs 25 as the minimum fare for the first two kms. 

Gurgaon has 18,000 autorickshaws and some 200 auto drivers have already been roped in by the civic body for the first phase of the service. The pilot project was launched in October following its success in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Surat and Delhi. These auto drivers have been empowered with smartphones and the app designed to connect them with people.

The MCG has launched this service in partnership with a private organisation running a similar service in multiple cities. The application is designed in a way to look out for the safety purpose of its commuters. As soon as a person books an auto via the app, the route, fare and driver’s profile will be available on their screens. Movements of these autos will be tracked from a control room in Sector 39 and credentials of all drivers verified by the police. Between 10 pm and 6 am, additional night charges amounting to a total of 25 percent of the normal fare will also be charged.

Those wanting to try the service will first have to download the ‘G-Auto’ app on their smartphones, which is available only on Android platform for now. 

Kumar informed that an iOS and Windows version of the app will also be developed after getting proper feedback.

Often people are forced to use their personal vehicles even while going to Metro stations or short distances within the city. This app-based service promises to bridge this gap by promising several times more business to auto drivers and reliable service to the people.

The district administration is also working on launching an e-rickshaw service in Gurgaon within the next couple of months.

Deputy Commissioner T L Satyaprakash says: “The planning is underway for e-rickshaws. We are making arrangements for parking lots and the charging point, which are the most basic facility required besides safety, and once that’s settled, then we will launch the facility.” 

The MCG commissioner has informed Millennium Post of its recent projects that could help the city with better connectivity. There have been reports of work to formulate a special purpose vehicle — Greater Gurgaon Urban Transport Service Limited (GGUTS) which is in its final stage. This service will see the launch of a fleet of 500 city buses within the next six months.

“The work on creating an SPV for operating a city bus service is almost done and we plan to start services within the next six months. The SPV will liaison with the bus operator, which could either be Haryana Roadways or some private firm, who would be responsible for supplying buses, ticket vending, issuing bus passes and providing advertisement space on a contract basis,” he said.