Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) partners with 3Eco Systems Pvt Ltd to run battery-operated auto-rickshaws. On a pilot basis, 3Eco Systems Pvt Ltd starts electric auto services in the city from Byappanahalli station.
“Passengers can book rides through our app (3eco+) as well as offline. Currently, we have around 10 auto-rickshaws in Byappanahalli Metro station. We are now charging Rs 10 per km, which is cheaper than normal autos (Rs 15 per km). We are planning to start services at Rajajinagar and Yeshwantpur Metro stations. We will add around 100 electric autos in another six months in major Metro, bus, and railway stations as well as tech parks across the city,” said a spokesperson of 3Eco Systems.
“This auto is more spacious than normal ones. Once it is fully charged, it can run 180km. It also has a solar panel which will help charge the battery on the go and increase drive range. It has low-cost maintenance and we are operating these services as per Metro timings,” he added.
MetroRide, an app-based electric shared auto-rickshaw service is currently operating from Yelachenahalli, Konanakunte, and Indiranagar metro stations.
Metroride CEO Girish Nagpal said, “We are planning to launch these services from two more stations — JP Nagar and Byappanahalli — in another few weeks. Ridership has been picking up in the last two weeks and more companies are planning to reopen offices from April-end. We have around 40 electric autos now, of which 15 have women drivers.”
He added, “We are now working with Hyderabad Metro and these measures helped ridership too. Our fares start from Rs 10 for shared autos. Those who want private ones will have to pay 30-40% extra.”
BMRCL has also tied up with SainikPod Sit & Go at Mysuru Road. Users can look for an electric Nano car with a green rooftop indicator. The car has a panic button, speed governor, and smart meter. Electric scooters on rent are also available at various metro stations of Yulu and Bounce.
Anjum Parwez, Managing Director of BMRCL, said, “We are now planning to provide prepaid auto-rickshaw services at Metro stations. All Metro stations will also have digital display boards on timings of BMTC feeder buses.”
He added, “We have also tied up with several firms for battery-swapping facilities at stations. We are allowing private mobility firms to set up charging infrastructure and electric vehicles on a first-come-first-served basis. BMTC and BMRCL are not rivals. Metro getting more ridership will not affect BMTC. But they need to tweak their routes. BMTC is now planning to run more than 90 electric buses on Metro feeder routes.”
