Pre-paid autorickshaw counters to come up at 16 locations in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: In yet another passenger-friendly move, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the Bengaluru city traffic police have planned to open 16 pre-paid autorickshaw counters in different parts of the city.

For starters, BMRCL is planning to open pre-paid autorickshaw counters at four Metro stations by the end of December. These counters are planned at Banashankari, Byappanahalli, Nagasandra and Majestic Metro stations.

Pre-paid autoricksaw counters will be set up by the city traffic police.

“The Bengaluru Traffic Police and BMRCL have separate pre-paid autorickshaw counters. The BMRCL is planning to open pre-paid counters under Metro station, and we are planning to restructure the service. After Covid-19, the service had stopped, but now, we are resuming it to help the public. We are planning to do it in the city’s hotspots  like bus stops, shopping malls and other places”, said M A Saleem, Special Commissioner of Police for Traffic.

Dr M A Saleem, Special Commissioner for Bengaluru Traffic department.

“For now, we intend to resume services at the KSRTC bus station, MG Road, Garuda Mall, Commercial Street, Koramangala, Mantri Mall and Jayanagar 10th Cross. New counters will not be opened. We had 12 counters in the pre-Covid days and we intend to restart all of them. We are planning to start the service within a week. We have to fix the approximate fare. The main reason for restarting the service is to assist the public and prevent harassment from drivers”, he added.

Traffic expert Srihari says pre-paid autorickshaw counters will improve last-mile connectivity.

“The pre-paid autorickshaw counters will help passengers. The service at Metro stations will be helpful for many people. First- and last-first mile connectivity will improve and will make travel easier in the city. There will be no harassment from auto drivers for more money. It will benefits both the public and the Metro and it is safe for everyone”, said Srihari, a traffic expert.