A new app named Yatri Mitra is likely to be launched on July 15. It is being developed by the Seva Sarathi Autorickshaw Taxi and Transport Union. The app will allow commuters to book rickshaw rides and pay as per the electronic meter.
As per reports, many drivers came up with the need of an app that supports meter-based payments. The union has around 1,000 members. Once the app is launched, other drivers can also sign up.
The app is being developed by Metazen Labs Pvt Ltd. This company has worked on apps for the Thane Municipal Corporation, Rotary International, Mumbai Port Trust, and the Income Tax Department. Metazen will run the app together with the union.
It should be noted that other platforms like Ola and Uber take huge commission from drivers. But with Yatri Mitra, drivers will only pay INR 25 per day, HT reports.
Additionally, those who use the app often will also get accident insurance. Currently, the app is in the beta testing stage.
As per reports, passengers can pay either in cash or using UPI. Fares will be based only on the meter reading.
The app will be launched first in Thane and Mumbai. Later, it will expand to other areas in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. As per the state transport department, there are 555,986 auto rickshaws in the MMR. Out of these, 251,461 are in Mumbai. At the time of launch, at least 10,000 rickshaws are expected to be onboarded.
Another app, Palkhi, is also expected to return next year. It is a ride-hailing service for air-conditioned cabs. The app was first launched in 2019. It shut down due to funding issues and due to privacy concerns over CCTV cameras in cabs. Palkhi was started by Praful Shinde, a former taxi driver.
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