To bridge first and last-mile connectivity between metro stations and homes, Autorickshaw Drivers Union (ADU) will soon launch MetroMitra, a WhatsApp-based chatbot and application to book autos. The initiative backed by Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is also aimed at increasing ridership.
The union, which was instrumental behind the launch of Namma Yatri, will run the pilot of the chatbot and app operating on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) from July 15, and plan to operationalise on August 15.
Commuters who take the auto are charged ₹10 in addition to the total meter fare. They will be able to avail of rides within a waiting duration of 2 to 3 minutes. A sufficient number of autos will be deployed at the stations. This service is limited to small areas between metro stations and homes. The users can only start booking on the app after August 15. During trial run booking can be done on WhatsApp.