The state autorickshaw association submitted a proposal to the regional transport authority (RTA) seeking permission to run air-conditioned autorickshaws in Patna, sparking hopes that commuters may soon begin to enjoy the otherwise dusty and noisy rides throughout the city.
Rajkumar Jha, general secretary of the Bihar State Auto Rickshaw Association, said the association had submitted the proposal for launching a prepaid AC autorickshaw service around a month ago.
"We are already in talks with various auto manufacturers. One of them has told us that it would introduce airconditioned auto rickshaws in the city market soon. Presently, such kind of autorickshaws are available in Bangalore and in a few towns of Kerala," said Jha.
Talking about the proposed fair chart of AC autos, Jha said: "The minimum fare will be Rs 30 and a person can travel a distance of 2km at this price. Even if a person travels half a kilometre, he or she will still have to pay Rs 30. The fare will increase by Rs 15 with every kilometre. This means a passenger will pay Rs 45 for travelling a distance of 3km."
The autorickshaw association proposed that the AC autos include a fire extinguisher, water and newspapers.
"For security, the driver and the auto owner's mobile number will be registered, along with their personal details, so as to keep a track on their activities. At present, we are keeping all these details with us under the prepaid facility," said Jha.
Divisional commissioner Anand Kishore, who is also chairman of the RTA, welcomed the proposed AC autos. "I am soon going to hold a meeting with the RTA secretary about this. I am yet to go through the proposal of the auto association, but so far it sounds very good. Residents will definitely benefit if this service is made available to them," added Kishore.
Residents applauded the initiative of the auto unions. "These autos will save us from the air and sound pollution we face while commuting by regular autos," said Bharti Kapoor, a school teacher. "We will also profit from using the service because an airconditioned taxi for the same distance would charge much more than an airconditioned auto."
