Namma Yatri and BMRCL to join hands to pilot auto-rickshaw services to fix last-mile connectivity gap for metro stations

In a statement to The Indian Express, BMRCL said, “BMRCL is working with Bangalore Traffic Police and Namma Yatri to operate an app-based auto rickshaw booking system for metro commuters. The proposal is to provide safe, affordable and reliable last-mile connectivity options for the commuters. In this regard, Namma Yatri has submitted a proposal to BMRCL for setting up kiosks and starting the service on a pilot basis at the Indiranagar metro station. Depending upon the success, the facility will be extended to other metro stations as well.”

An NY official speaking to Indian Express said, “Our surveys indicated that the prepaid auto stands at metro stations are not that effective and further add to the last mile connectivity gap. As a digital solution, we are offering the drivers to choose their destination which will be part of a queue system. If customers don’t get their ride they can avail rides through the normal ride-hailing mode. We will pilot this in Indiranagar metro station by the end of May and we are planning to officially launch it next month.”

Around September last year, the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union headed by Rudramurthy launched Metro Mitra, a last-mile connectivity solution to and from metro stations. However, the services which were based on meter charges and an additional pick-up charge of Rs 10, did not take off due to operational issues. However, NY was quick to respond that this service is different from that of Metro Mitra.

Last-mile connectivity to and from Bengaluru metro stations has been a long-standing issue for commuters. According to the data shared by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy in the Karnataka Assembly during the Winter Session in December 2023, only 76,000 passengers use 134 metro feeder buses daily. Although 76,000 is a promising number, mobility experts feel it is significantly low, considering that nearly 40 lakh passengers use the Bengaluru metro daily.

Often commuters are harassed by errant auto-rickshaw drivers near the entrance and exit points of metro stations and charge exorbitant prices for short distances. BMRCL had also launched prepaid auto services in collaboration with Bengaluru traffic police, but the service did not find many takers.