Written By kbsyed61 - 10 December, 2011

Bangalore Autorickshaw Analysis Last Mile Transportation public transport business model

Background

Mere mention of word 'Auto' starts ringing the bell of many different voice. Don't these voices sound familiar?

....Auto drivers seem to create the maximum of problems in Bangalore. Where should we start?

...They drive very rash driving. And hitting anyone on bike or on foot, their brotherhood (other auto drivers) tend to support them.

...Most of the times not ready to go for short distances or to the places where they do not want to go. I think they are legally supposed not to deny for any place and a fine-system is also there if they deny to go somewhere.

Courtesy - MyBangalore.com

Have you ever paid Rs 200 for an autorickshaw to take you from Indiranagar to MG Road? That is what passengers had to do on Friday, thanks to the auto strike. They separately paid the amount the meter displayed even if they were sharing a ride; the fare comes to Rs 50 on any other day.

Source - Times Of India

On the other side we do hear about the plight of the auto drivers,

• Complaining of ever increasing fuel price, but can't charge more
• Uncertainty in monthly income
• Police Harassment
• Occuptional Hazards - Health, Safety
• Total Lack of any civic amenities - Toilets, Recess are

The third stakeholder, Government, has its own story to tell:

Most autorickshaws are not owned by drivers. They run them on daily rent. Once his shift is completed, the driver should leave the vehicle at the owner’s house and return. Many drivers make up for the “dry runs” by charging the commuter double the meter fare.  The police feel the autorickshaw drivers’ unions shouldn’t oppose modernisation. The unions are against the use of GPRS systems and mobile linked facilities such as those in the airport taxis. “If we don’t address these problems, things will never improve even after 50 years from now,” points out Sood.

Courtesy - Deccan Herald

 

An autorishaw service that we all aspire for!

Given this background let me try to lay a case for the need to have better auto/taxi service system in city of Bengaluru. Gone are the days wherein PT services can operate in their own insulated worlds. This is an era of inter-connectivity and cross-connectivity. Each one of the PT services should be complimenting not competing each other. Clearly the time has come for reforms in this sector. One important aspect and reality about 'Auto Rickshaw' is, it is an integral part of the public transport system in any urban/semi-urban setting.

Stake Holders

1. Government - Custodian, Regulator, Enforcer, Facilitator
2. Commuter - Customer, sole source of income
3. Service Providers - Auto Rikshaws Owner, Driver

High level Objectives

For Commuters

• Good Reliable Service
• Guaranteed Ride - No Refusal
• Market Regulated Fare
• Choices - Immediate On street, On Schedule
• Dependable and safe ride

For Service Providers (owner and driver)

• Fair and transparent licensing system
• Decent Financing options
• Guaranteed returns on investment
• Guaranteed monthly income for the operator/driver
• Toilet/Recess Facilities across city
• Personal and Vehicle Safety
• Personal Benefits - Health Insurance, Life Insurance
• Transparent system for fixing meter charges

Government

• Framework for auto rickshaw service regulation, operation, Licensing and enforcement
• Framework for transparent system of fixing meter charges in tune with market costs
• Provision for technology and system to aid regulation of the service
• Provisioning of commuter and service provider grievance system
• Co-ordination of different departments - Police, RTO,

Is it possible to design a decent business model which can deliver the above listed objectives? I am sure yes, we can.

Let us throw some ideas here.

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