Thiruvananthapuram: In an attempt to rejuvenate the women friendly autorickshaw scheme that has lost its sheen, the city police have rechristened it under the banner of She Autorickshaws.
Though around 450 auto rickshaws have now been added to the scheme, the long term sustainability of the scheme is in question as it offers no special reinforcement to drivers barring a sticker and liaison with police.
A start-up company vehiclest.com will collaborate with police and help passengers to find the location of She autorickshaws using the smart phone application.
The City police control room will now have real time access to the location, time and speed of the vehicles under the scheme. Free internet will also be available in autorickshaws.
The scheme was first started in the city after the Delhi gang rape incident.
The city police then had 150 autorickshaws under the scheme but the number gradually dwindled as male passengers often do not take Women friendly ones.
Now autorickshaws from areas like East Fort, Thampanoor, Perroorkada, Medical College and East Fort are under its ambit.
“Autodrivers within the city limits and have no criminal record and those who are well mannered have been added under the scheme. Beat officers have verified their credentials before adding them to the scheme. They were sensitised on women’s safety and there will be a monthly review with meetings with drivers being held,” Assistant Commissioner (Control Room) Pramodkumar A said.
“The scheme will be part of special policing initiatives and the gender sensitisation programme,” said City Police Commissioner Sparjan Kumar adding that there was no special takeaway for drivers barring the goodwill they earned.
The she autos can be contacted through control room number 100 or women’s helpline numbers 1091 or 99953 99953.
