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 service started from November 22, 2010.
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