2 weeks ago
Auto Unions Oppose RTC's Electric Auto Rickshaw Last-Mile Plan
A bus company in Hyderabad, India wants to add electric auto rickshaws that take people from bus stops to their actual homes.
This would be part of the bus trip, so people only need one ticket for the whole journey.
The bus company thinks this will help more people ride buses.
But real auto rickshaw drivers are worried because this new plan could take away their customers.
The drivers say free bus rides for women have already made it hard for them to earn money.
Other workers' unions also complained and asked the bus company to use drivers who already drive electric autos.
The bus company says the plan is just starting and the government will make the final decision.
Some people are also upset because the bus company's old mini-buses stopped working.
About 60 old mini-buses are sitting unused, and many are in bad shape.
Experts think the company should sell those mini-buses to make some money.
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) announced plans on July 30 to introduce electric autorickshaws for last-mile connectivity from bus stops to passengers' doorsteps, with one ticket covering the full journey.
Auto drivers' unions and gig and platform unions opposed the plan, saying it threatens autorickshaw drivers' livelihoods.
AITUC autorickshaw union leader Umar Khan said the Mahalakshmi free bus travel scheme for women has already left autorickshaws with little business.
Union representatives urged the corporation to integrate existing EV autos, ensure transparency on aggregator involvement, and involve current auto drivers in the proposed service.
Criticism also targeted TGSRTC's failed Vajra mini-bus service, with around 60 mini-buses currently not operating and nearly half in scrap condition due to lack of maintenance.
- Who
- Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC), auto drivers' unions, gig and platform unions, and transport experts.
- What
- TGSRTC proposed introducing electric autorickshaws for last-mile connectivity from bus stops to passengers' doorsteps, which auto unions oppose as a threat to their livelihoods.
- Where
- Hyderabad, Telangana State, India.
- When
- Announced on July 30; mini-bus services were discontinued about a year ago.
- Why
- The corporation aims to attract more commuters to buses through last-mile connectivity, while unions argue the plan threatens autorickshaw drivers' already struggling livelihoods.
Unions and Drivers
TGSRTC Officials
Impact of the E-Auto Plan
Unions and Drivers
Auto drivers' and gig/platform unions oppose the plan, saying it threatens livelihoods, especially after the Mahalakshmi scheme left autos with hardly any business. They want existing EV autos integrated and current drivers involved, with transparency on aggregators.
TGSRTC Officials
TGSRTC says the e-auto plan is in initial stages, the government will decide in favor of both the public and autorickshaw drivers, and last-mile connectivity will encourage more people to use public transport.
Mini-Bus Record and Revenue
Unions and Drivers
Critics point to the failed Vajra mini-bus service, with around 60 buses idle and nearly half in scrap condition, as reason for concern; transport experts advise selling the unused mini-buses to generate revenue.
TGSRTC Officials
TGSRTC officials note mini-buses were discontinued about a year ago due to traffic and operational difficulties, framing the challenges as operational rather than a reason to abandon the new connectivity plan.
Key facts
- Organization
- Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC)
- Proposal
- Electric autorickshaws from designated bus stops to passengers' doorsteps
- Ticket
- Single ticket covering the entire journey
- Announcement Date
- July 30
- Pilot Scope
- Begins with city services before extending to other areas
- Unused Mini-Buses
- Around 60 Vajra mini-buses currently not operating
- Mini-Bus Failure Reason
- Air-conditioned buses with faulty AC and constant breakdowns
Quotes
Umar Khan
AITUC autorickshaw drivers union leader
“The Mahalakshmi scheme of free bus travel for women has already left autorickshaws with hardly any business. Now RTC’s plan to bring in e‑autos for last‑mile connectivity will push us into more difficulties.”
deccanchronicle.com
RTC officer on special duty
Telangana State Road Transport Corporation officer
“The e‑auto plan is in its initial stages. The government will take the final decision in favour of the public as well as autorickshaw drivers. Last‑mile connectivity will encourage more people to use public transport.”
deccanchronicle.com
Senior official (anonymous)
Senior TGSRTC official
“The Vajra mini‑bus service failed because they were air‑conditioned. Faulty air‑conditioning and constant breakdowns led to complaints.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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