Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated Ernakulam Auto Rickshaw Drivers Co-operative Society, a society consisting of six auto-driver unions in the city, on Sunday. He also kicked off Kochi metro’s autorickshaw-based feeder service.
“The Society will benefit auto drivers in the long run, since they rely on daily income to make both ends meet. A cooperative society that brings them together is first of its kind in Kerala. The Society must strive for the welfare and safety of drivers. The introduction of e-autos in select metro stations is another welcome move. They will considerably lessen pollution. The Society must help introduce more such autos as part of modernising the sector,” Mr. Vijayan said.
The autos in Kochi will shortly take a break from routine and operate on hire, share, and rent also, it is learnt.
A proud model
The Chief Minister added that Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has been assigned to integrate various modes of public transport in Ernakulam district. They include metro, buses, autos, ferries, and taxi cars. The metro is a proud model for the State. Now, GPS has been installed in private buses in Kochi. The buses will shortly begin to accept Kochi-1 prepaid card to enable cashless travelling, he added.
The Society is expecting 15,000 auto drivers to join it. It is also aiming to create opportunities for family members of auto drivers by engaging them in small-scale business activities.
KMRL managing director A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish received a copy of the book Abhivrudhikkayi Onnikkam from the Chief Minister.
