Patna: A prepaid and online passenger transport service will be available from next month to cater to the growing need for a smartphone-based platform to avail cab services.

The app, called Ganga, will facilitate booking of autorickshaws, bike cabs, taxis and e-rikshaws. The app would facilitate online booking and payment in cashless mode by linking passenger's bank accounts with the Airtel Payment Bank. "The app-based transport service will cater to the demand of new-age smartphone users who want passenger vehicles at their doorstep," said Navin Mishra alias Mrigank Shekhar, vice-president of Auto Chalak Transport Union (ACTU) in Patna, the vehicle provider for the service. Around 200 autorickshaws, 100 taxis, 30 bike cabs and 50 e-rikshaws have been incorporated into the service. However, the service would become accessible by August 2, the day when the service would be officially launched by Smart Community Service Private Limited, the service developer, which established ties with ACTU Patna to incorporate vehicle owners for the service.

The service will also run on prepaid mode for which a dedicated auto stand has been created at Patna Junction, Danapur Railway Station and Rajendra Nagar Terminal in Patna.

People will have to pay Rs 8-30 for per-km travel, depending on the type of vehicle availed, booking charges ranging from Rs 30-200 and waiting charges.