In a bid to tackle the long-standing issue of overcharging by auto drivers at Pune Railway Station, the "Rikshamitra Prepaid" service, introduced two months ago, has proven to be a major success.
Since its launch, the initiative has seen a strong response, with 5,878 rides booked through the prepaid system over the course of just 55 days, generating an impressive revenue of ₹9.5 lakh.
Pune Railway Station, a major transit hub with a daily footfall of 150,000 to 200,000 passengers, had long been plagued by issues of auto drivers charging exorbitant fares to unsuspecting travelers.
In an effort to curb this exploitation, the Pune Traffic Department, in collaboration with the Railway Department and Kevoulution Technology, launched the Rikshamitra Prepaid service. This initiative ensures that passengers can now access fair-priced rickshaw rides without the fear of being overcharged.
Initially, the service started with the participation of just 100 auto drivers. Today, over 1,000 auto drivers are part of the Rikshamitra Prepaid system, offering transparent and regulated fares to railway passengers.
As a result, passengers are opting for this service more frequently, knowing they will not face the inflated rates that had become commonplace at the station.
In addition to benefiting passengers, the initiative has provided a steady source of income for auto drivers who operate according to the meter fare system. More than ₹9.5 lakh in earnings have been distributed among participating drivers, significantly improving their livelihood.
Dr. Keshav Kshirsagar of the Rikshawala Association noted that the service has been crucial in putting an end to the exploitation of railway passengers. He also emphasized that the transparency and convenience offered by Rikshamitra Prepaid have made it a preferred choice for both passengers and auto drivers alike.
Senior Commercial Manager of the Pune Division, Dr. Milind Hirve, reaffirmed the railway administration's commitment to providing high-quality services for passengers.
He added that the success of the prepaid service has effectively curbed overcharging, and the service will continue to operate for the benefit of passengers in the future.
