Autowallahs wary of My Auto is Safe

Hyderabad: Given the fact that a single auto is driven by two to three men on any day 24X7 men and as men take autos on rent and the vehicles would be financed in someone else’s name, autowallahs, even while welcoming the initiative of ‘My Auto is Safe,’ have cast doubts about its efficiency and success. Unlike in the case of the campaign for cabs – My Cab is Safe – the autowallahs feel the drive would turn out to be just another form of registration – this time digitally.

The information regarding owner or owner-cum-driver will be saved and he would be accountable in case of any untoward incident. “Information will be only updated regarding the owner, but what provisions do apply when the auto is driven by another driver? When a different person drives the vehicle, this digitalisation would not help. Moreover, most of the auto rickshaws change hands scores of times during its lifetime, and most of the times it is due to issuesarising out of financial liabilities.

Hence, the intended purpose would not be served,” said A Sathi Reddy, president of Telangana Auto Driver’s Samakhya (TADS). Sathi Reddy also lamented that even though the initiative was good,it would impact autowallahsadversely as Rs 200 is being charged for the process. “When the authorities have decided to take up this initiative for public good, they should have provided it free of cost. It is making holes in the pockets of drivers who area already at the receiving end because of invasion of cabs in the market,” he said.

However police officials feel that ‘My auto is safe’ drive for digitalisation of data pertaining to auto drivers is meant to secure the safety of passengers, specially women and children. “If the auto is rented, the registration of the auto owner including the driver registration will be available. This is helpful,especially to the sharing auto passengers. As it was started recently, any hitches would be studied and an advanced system will be made available soon for the safety of passengers,” said Ch Narender Rao, Inspector (Traffic), Falaknuma.

The campaign ‘My Auto is Safe’ is very helpful to the drivers and as well as to the passengers. So far, more than 2,000 autos registered for the digitalisation programme. Recently, more than 200 autos were registered during a special drive conducted by DCP Traffic-2 K Babu Rao in Old City.
Passengers can scan QR code, using QR code app, and the details that they receive can be shared with their people, which would enhance their safety.

Also, if any passengers forget their belongings, they can easily complain at any police station with this information. They can also complain through at www.safeautotaxi.com or www.safegaadi.com. Passengers can also complain on ‘Dial100’or via WhatsApp to reach the police for immediate response. This drive will keep drivers in check, and if any danger is feared, information can be forwarded to police and location of vehicle can be tracked easily.