Now, you can hire an auto rickshaw from your smartphone in the Delhi with a new Android app called "Pooch-O". The free app is available on the Google Play store and will be launched on iOS soon.
The "Pooch-O" app was developed by Delhi Integrated Multi-Model Transit System (DIMTS), and launched by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung. The app lets users locate autos that are fitted with GPS technology, nearest to them. Users will get the drivers contact information which is registered with DIMTS and can call them to book a trip. The app supports Google Maps and allows users to see the shortest routes to their destination as well as calculate the fare for their journey.
Jung stated that the app will be helpful for women travelling in a auto at night as they could share the autos details as well as route with their family. "After booking auto through this app, commuters can share their travel details on Facebook and Twitter so that their friends and family members can get to know about their locations. Besides, there are several security elements in this app," Jung told reporters.
Jung added that users can also give their feedbacks on the autos on "Pooch-O" app. "Pooch-O users can also calculate estimated fare for their trip and even track the auto to check if it is coming towards them or not after calling its drivers. This app will soon be available on iPhone. Auto drivers will also be benefitted with this app as they will easily have passengers," S N Sahai, managing director (DIMTS) said.
Sahai added that app connects with over 24,000 autos in Delhi which are fitted with GPS. Additional CP (Traffic) Anil Shukla, stated that if a driver refused to take "Pooch-O" users, he would be penalized. "Traffic police will be asked to connect this app to its website, their traffic apps so that if auto driver refuses commuters without any reason, strict action would be taken against them," Jung said.
Source: The Asian Age