'Pillion' hires first female e-bike taxi driver

Women in Delhi now have a new option to commute as 'Pillion' – Delhi's first e-bike taxi, has roped in the first female driver for female passengers. The 21-year-old Tumpa Barman, who hails from a low-income group, has been successfully taking female passengers to their respective destinations on the battery operated bike taxi.

The service is currently available in Karol Bagh, Jhadewalan, and nearby areas and is beneficial for single office goers, students and general commuters who struggle while travelling in crowded buses and rickshaws. The service is available at the flag down price of Rs 15 in addition to Rs 5/km. One can either book it by dialing 82528-82528 or directly board it from the metro stations of the aforementioned areas.

After finishing her school, Tumpa decided to extend a helping hand to her family and took up the job as a female bike taxi driver. With working hours from 8 am to 6 pm, this job has given Tumpa the confidence as well as a great opportunity to support her family. "I am very happy to be part of the bike taxi service operational in Delhi. I am confident to offer my best to the passengers," said Tumpa.

'Pillion' was launched in 2016 and has over 60 battery operated bike taxis running within a radius of 5 kilometers in Karol Bagh and Jhandewalan. The company has at present one female bike rider and is planning to add more in the coming months so as to reach out to more female passengers.

Keeping in mind the safety aspect, this start-up provide an insurance coverage of up to Rs 1 lakh to the commuters who use this bike taxi service. Also, all bikes taxis are equipped with inbuilt GPS, which will help in tracking the bike location anytime.

Moreover, all 'Pillion' drivers receive comprehensive training, covering various aspects like customer management and satisfaction, safe driving practices, adherence to traffic rules and first-aid management. The company enroll drivers after rigorous rounds of screening and police verification.

Started amidst Delhi's ongoing war against air pollution, Pillion is the brainchild of three environment conscious Delhiites, Nikhil Malik, Karan Chadha, and Pawneesh Rampal. The on-demand e-bike taxi service offers a perfect solution to the problem of connectivity, traffic congestion and air pollution.

Speaking on the occasion, Karan Chadha, Co-Founder, Pillion, said, "We are equally excited to have a female rider in our team. We plan to increase the count and reach out to new locations so that more people can use our eco-friendly mode of transport. There is a growing acceptance of eco-friendly mode of transportation amongst the public and we are happy with the response we have been receiving.

Our vision is in line with government's vision of providing an eco-friendly mode of transport by 2030 and we plan to start our services soon in other parts of the city as well."