CNG auto-rickshaws join ride hailing ‘Hellow’ app

CNG-run auto-rickshaws are to join in a new ride-hailing mobile app named ‘Hellow’.

The once popular mode of transportation that came under flack over the years because of charging high fares and poor customer service will be operating under the ride-hailing app from March.

Rokeya Prachi, communication director of developer company Top II, said they have already registered 500 CNG-run auto-rickshaws so far and hopes of launching the service in two months.

“This service will ensure government approved fare rates and passenger safety,” she told The Daily Star.

The inception of Uber, when launched back in 2016, was a much-desired relief for commuters against the “hard to get” auto-rickshaws. This resulted in a drastic drop in CNG auto-rickshaw demand.

They even demonstrated across the capital demanding annulment of the Uber service.

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“CNG-run auto-rickshaws started losing customers since ride sharing services began,” Prachi said. “Riders were also not comfortable with the auto-rickshaws for many reasons.”

She also said auto-rickshaw drivers will get adequate passengers if their vehicles can be brought under this app-based service and hoped that this will end squabbling over fares.

The app will now come under the “Ride-sharing Service Guidelines 2017” approved by the government yesterday which mandates 11 guidelines for operating including a BRTA license.

Prachi added, there are plans to launch car and motorcycle services through the app.