After some success of Radio Taxi in NCR, Now Gurgaon will have similar services for Auto-Rickshaws in name of Radio Tuk-Tuk (Radio Autos).
Just call the helpline number (0124-2343434) and rickshaw will be there for the intra-city travel (as of now only inside Gurgaon).
This can be a convenience mode of transport for commuters, specially women, in the millennium city.
Operational Timings: Now 24 hours (Earlier it was 6:30 AM till 11:30 PM)
Booking phone number/helpline: 0124-2343434.
Rates: Rs 50 for the first three kilometres and thereafter Rs 8 for every additional kilometre.
Features:
1. Global Positioning System (GPS) to track auto position.
2. Free Mobile phone charging socket
3. Panic Button for commuters.
4. Red color auto (Not sure if this is good, keeping in mind the Delhi Red-line private buses history)
All these autos run on CNG (compressed natural gas) and are specially made by TVS Motors.
As of now only 50 autos are on road.
Credential and background of all drivers has been verified to ensure commuter safety.
According to its founder Sulabh Mehra, Since its launch, service is running house-full and they are receving more than 600 calls per day.
Apparently Chandigarh had also started similar service in Sept, 2009. They are operational 24×7. The charges are fixed at Rs.10 for the first kilometer and Rs.8 for subsequent kilometers while between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. there would be an extra charge of 25 percent. Waiting charges is Rs.30 for an hour after free first fifteen minutes. But in march, It was reported that the service is dying a slow death with the reason of Financial loss close to Rs 80,000 per month.
Considering the previous failures of Gurgaon administration plans for within-city transport (City buses, Autos, Cabs, Traffic management etc.) and also the failure of Chandigarh in similar implementation, Its very early to comment on success/failure. Another issue to face is the threats tuk-tuk drivers have started receiving from other normal auto drivers.
Lets keep our fingers crossed and Lets hope an idea of young and 25 years old entrepreneur turns into big success. This city desperately needs intra-city transport.
Update: Another Auto-on-call service has been started on 6th March, 2011. In the name of AutoCall, it will start with 30 GPS-fitted blue colored auto rickshaws. Their operational timings will be 6:30 AM till 11:30 PM and Booking phone number/helpline will be 0124-4844444. Rates: Rs 10 per kilometer and Rs 1 for every 100 meters. Apparently, owner of this service is also a below 30 youngster, Vineet Goel.
White Xpress: Rs. 40 for the first 2 km; and subsequently Rs. 8 per kilometer is charged. The autos are available between 6.30 am to 10 pm, and can also be booked through the hotline service, by calling at 0124-48111111
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That was am informative post. The reason the scheme failed in Chandigarh would have been different. There are not so many corporate offices or professionals in that city as in Gurgaon. I feel it should surely be a success, even if the charges are a little steep.
I do not know about its financials but the TukTuk at Chandigarh is a great idea. I have used it a couple of times and recommend all to use it. Its great to get the tpt at your place on time, a driver who is careful, polite and takes you to your destination safely and the charges are reasonable. What more can you ask? I support tuktuk whole heartedly.
Didn't know something like that was planned. If it works, I am sure it will spread to other cities as well. Echo zephyr, the charges seem a little high but I am sure people could do with a service such as this.
Dear Management:
Good news but need to carefully review the following:
1. Booking number is either always busy or response is not late or none;
2. When booking in advance, the booking centre recommending to book half an hour prior to journey. But in actual they make customer wait for upto one hour. Why not book in advance to avoid delays and uncertainities.
3. WHY NOT HAVE HUNTING LINES OR MULTIPLE PHONE LINES FOR QUICK RESPONSE?
4. PLEASE, ADDRESS THESE ISSUES
Thank you
@Harish
Please provide the feedback on feedback@radiotuktuk.com
Hi Mr Pankaj,
Please increase the Number of phone lines so that your executives can be reached easily. Now at present its very difficult to connect to your service.
regards,
Sushant
@Sushant
Please provide the feedback on feedback@radiotuktuk.com
Been trying to call to book an auto but the number has been busy for the last 30 mins.
@ Sushant Singh and @Harish Chotani - Hunting lines are in place and we have even increased the lines since the service started. However the demand is such that call inflow never stops.
We are working on how to resolve this issue.
@Sulabh
Thanks for updating people on the same.
We really appreciate your efforts and want you to succeed.
trying for past 1hr, line always busy... need improvement..
hopeless service... maximum time getting helpline number busy...
My experience is the same as Harish Chotani..I called in the afternoon for an tuk tuk and I was told to call 1 /2 hr before the need and now it is one hour I have been calling and the lines are busy
The service is a blessings in principle but so long including today, the experience is that there is no response to the phone call made on 6 hunting phone lines. I am wondering if there are some elements who are trying to slow down thebusiness to protect the market for other auto service provider. I have also noticed that on several spots these Tuk Tuk Radio are parked on the road side at different locations some times 2-3 of them.
Management needs to take stock of the situation as it is a week now since the launch. Many of the teething problems may have been solved but to me the experience after 7 days is still the same.
50 Tuk Tuk Radio are too small for Gurgaon size but it may be good to analyse from the week long data the following:
1. Which geo locations the demand is more so that service can be streamlined on those locations;
2. Which are the potential locations where the service can be promoted especially the locations where the other sources of transport are lean or none;
3. Target the location where there are large cluster of housing settlement, BPOs
4. Do not target or target less the metro station as there the monopoly of Green & Yellow auto has already occupied the place.
Harish Chotani
We welcome TUKTUK to Gurgaon. Please increase the number of TukTuk's, and make provision of advance booking also. Increase phone lines and initial Rs 50/- for 3 Kms is a bit higher, but still good for those in need.
i want to know regarding monthly basis auto services