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In a bid to boost last mile connectivity to and from metro stations in Bengaluru, the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU), the face behind the popular Nama Yatri app, has created yet another app – ‘Metro Mitra’.
The app, which will undergo trials from Monday, is slated to be an initiative of the union in association with Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL).
The app is also seen as a “commuting game changer” that aims to re-professionalize the motorist community by reintroducing the meter fare model for last-mile connectivity. Again, under the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) model, this app allows subway riders to book an automatic ride along with buying a metro ticket on the BMRCL app or the Metro’s WhatsApp chatbot feature. ARDU aims to officially launch the app on August 15th.
Use of the technology is limited to the extent to which vehicle rides to and from metro stations can be detected by the BMRCL app or WhatsApp chatbot. The app charges a flat fare of Rs 10 as part of the pick-up fee and technology fee, while still following the meter fee ordered by the government.
How it works
A passenger who purchases a ticket to ride the metro through BMRCL’s WhatsApp chat bot feature will also be given the option to book an automated ride to bridge the last mile connection. Once the auto ride is also booked it sends the user an OTP (one time password) and auto driver details.
The motorist with the Metro Mitra app will be ready to pick up the passenger from the Metro Mitra area that will be created for motorists. Then the traveler pays for the trip as per the meter fee and an additional fixed fare of 10 rupees.
Similarly, a passenger desiring to reach a metro station can also book an automated ride from the respective source.
Rudramurthy, General Secretary, ARDU, said, “The aim of the app is not only to enhance last mile connectivity, but also to introduce drivers into the field of mainstream automotive services. Too many drivers have forgotten the meters which have put their professionalism at risk. The introduction of aggregator apps with attractive incentives has ruined it.” “The true spirit of auto services. We want to revive the government-standard meter culture to bring motorists into the professional fold. We will only identify motorists who are ready to tap into the technology space and want to run their business model professionally.”
Satya Arikottaram, an independent urban mobility expert, said, “The idea is not for aggregators to control drivers in their services, but to give drivers a technology platform to increase their customer base and help them earn their living using software application. Customers, on the other hand, do not need any aggregator application to call software Car operation for last mile connectivity. Since this is based on open network mobility which enables interoperability, Nama Yatri customers become Metro Mitra customers, thus increasing the customer base of motorists on a single platform.”
Currently, Metro Mitra is set for trials at RV Road, Jayanagar and South End Circle metro stations. The goal is to have a minimum of 150 metro drivers at each of these metro stations and then expand the base to other metro stations.
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