Ola to bring aboard more auto drivers

Chennai: Ola launched India’s first auto ‘Driver Partner’ Mela with an aim to bring aboard more auto drivers and to give them an opportunity to purchase auto rickshaws at subsidised rates and to avail benefits such as free vehicle insurance and garage services.

The three-day Mela from April 8 to10 was launched also to give existing auto rickshaw partners an opportunity to become micro-entrepreneurs by adding autos to their fleet at a lower cost.

Ola’s association with auto manufacturers such as Piaggio is expected to enable auto driver partners to purchase autos at special rates.  According to Ola spokespersons, the tie-ups of the company with financial and insurance institutions will help auto drivers further.

“Autos are the most ubiquitous mode of transportation in the country. With the auto rickshaw category on our platform, we not only aim to address the last mile connectivity for our customers but also enable quality livelihood and opportunities for lakhs of drivers,” said Vishal Kaul, COO at Ola.  “Auto Driver Partners using the Ola platform book nearly 90 per cent of their rides through the app, leading to a 30-40 per cent increase in their month-on-month revenue.”

“My bookings have almost doubled in the last few months through the mobile app and from the doorstep of the customers,” said an auto driver. While many drivers said that using the app that is available in regional languages as well, helps them get rides easily and reduce the idle time but many have complaints on pricing.
Ola had recently introduced autos rides up to 4kms at a flat rate of '29, which is lower than the meter tariff.