KOCHI: Kochi Metro Rail Limited has signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) with the district level coordination committee of autorickshaw drivers' unions for integrating the tuk-tuk network with Metro system. The landmark agreement will bring together 15,000 auto-rickshaws in Greater Kochi area under one umbrella which will act as a single unit in transporting commuters from mass transit to their final destination and vice versa.
The autos under a registered society will start operations for a variety of services like feeder, hire, call and rental. The objective is to support KMRL in implementing 'Seamless Transportation for Kochi' by providing feeder services around its stations and other public transport modes. The feeder services will operate its fleet through the identified routes with a specified number of services and trips. As many as 300 auto drivers have been provided behavioural and road safety training to operate as feeder transport in a passenger-friendly manner.
The JDI was signed on Tuesday between Thiruman Archunan (director - projects, KMRL) and M.B. Syamathabhadran, convener, the district-level coordination committee of auto rickshaw driver's unions in the presence of A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, MD, KMRL. "It is perhaps the first time in the country that a formalisation of auto rickshaw drivers is being attempted. Along with this, the formation of bus societies will improve operational efficiency and thereby better working hours, working conditions and wages. Commuters of Kochi would definitely benefit from the unique step," Mr Hanish said.
"Once the auto rickshaw society is formed, the drivers and their families would be provided with skill building, training and other support to engage in home-based businesses to support their income." KMRL has facilitated the agreement by bringing together the six auto-rickshaw driver's unions in the city. The society would also operate 150 electric autos on the feeder network.
Metro to deploy 160 E-autos
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) which is operating Kochi Metro Rail is set to deploy 160 electric auto rickshaws as feeder service in its stations in phases to promote pollution-free green mode vehicle service. There will be exclusive parking lot for these rickshaws at select stations with facility to charge power. Kinetic India has been selected as the licensee for the operations.
"The night halting slots with electric charging ports shall be allowed after KMRL operation hours. A separate meter will be attached to the E-ports and the cost of actual electricity will have to be paid by the users. The ports shall be maintained and managed by the selected bidder for e-autos. Dedicated pickup points will be provided to the taxi/autorickshaw aggregator at selected stations," said an official.
KMRL will designate specific areas for kiosks in the 16 metro stations for a period of three years to the aggregator. The E-rickshaw should be branded as per KMRL approved design. Aggregator can provide their own mobile and web application for booking and ticketing. All such applications shall be integrated with Kochi 1 App of KMRL. The bidder can use the kiosk area for their own branding with prior approval from KMRL. All the data, including the travel data, user data and payment data, generated by the successful bidders need to be shared real-time with KMRL.
