A new call auto service “Makkal Auto” has been introduced in Coimbatore city which would operate at Rs. 14 as minimum fare for two km. and Rs. 6 for every additional km.
T. Selvaraj, Managing Director of Makkal Auto, told The Hindu that the fare structure being followed by them was the Government fixed fare in 2007 with the fare revision yet to take place. ‘Makkal Auto’ would wait for the Government decision and it would be ready to operate at the rate of Rs. 25 as minimum fare for 1.8 km and Rs. 12 for every additional km which was fixed for Chennai recently.
It has been proposed to operate 50 autorickshaws to begin with and the fleet strength would go up to 300 depending on the public response. Passengers would be provided with drinking water, newspaper, cell phone charge point and scribbling pad. The drivers would be provided with identity cards, name badges, uniforms and shoes. In addition, there would be an emergency panic button and when the passenger presses the same, a call would go from the control room and the passenger could just pick up the landline receiver in the autorickshaw to convey the message.
Whenever the button was pressed, the Global Positioning System (GPS) and General Pocket Radio Services (GPRS) would help in tracking and locating the autorickshaw with a passenger in distress.
There would be a display of details of the driver, besides a first aid kit, spare vehicles and break down assistance round-the-clock, he added. Customers wanting to avail themselves of the services could call the call centre number 40008000.
