Remaining out of tech-based mobile apps like Uber and Patho for two years, the CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers are now coming to terms with the changing reality and accepting the technological transformation. A mobile app platform “Hello” has started registering the drivers who have lost their monopolistic market share in personal vehicle service in cities. The mayhem that rules the personal transport system by charging high fares, poor customer service and misbehave with passengers hopefully will be phase out as the “Hello” is going to be launched in March. Despite getting popularity, the Uber and Patho that incorporate cars and motorbikes could not meet the market demand for personal vehicle service. It is anticipated that the new enterprise would ease people’s suffering soon.
A leading national daily yesterday reported that already 500 CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers registered with the mobile-based app. A local software company, Top II, has started the test run. The safety of the commuters and government-approved fares would be maintained in the service. According to the government-set rate, the fare for the first two kilometers is Tk 40 while it is Tk 12 for each of the next kilometers. The waiting charge is Tk 2 for every minute. Commuters have to spend close to double for availing a ride-share service like Uber or Pathao cars. For motorbikes, the fares are more or less similar.
CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers are often criticised for rough behaviour and charging more than the government-set fares from the passengers. The company has addressed these issues and arranged training sessions for a number of drivers over the last four months. The company spokeswoman said they want to make it clear that the platform will not have any indecent driver. Drivers will share 15 percent of their revenue of each trip with Top II.
The inception of Pathao and Uber, when launched in 2016, was a much-desired relief for commuters against the “hard to get” auto-rickshaws. This resulted in a drastic drop in CNG auto-rickshaw demand. Late in November last year, CNG drivers even demonstrated across the capital and the Port City demanding the withdrawal of the Pathao, Uber and other ride-sharing services. It is expected that auto-rickshaw drivers will get adequate passengers if their vehicles can be brought under this app-based service. It is also hoped that this will end squabbling over fares. The app will now come under the “Ride-sharing Service Guidelines 2017” approved by the government. Currently, there are only 13,000 government registered CNG-run auto-rickshaws in the city. The total number of the vehicles is over 25,000.
It’s the era of high-tech. It is impossible for the human beings to run regular activities smoothly without the help of technology. Now the technology isn’t just in the home, it’s used in office, factory and even on street to create a better quality of life.
We hail the company for taking initiatives to introduce the modern app for easing people’s suffering and bring discipline in personal vehicle service.
