Pooja S., who commutes from Bagalagunte to Dasarahalli metro station in North Bengaluru, shifted from autorickshaws to bus after the launch of the Shakti scheme that provides free bus rides to women in non-premium services.
“I used to take an auto to reach the metro station and back home. But now, I have shifted to bus since it is free and I can save at least some money. Earlier, an auto ride would cost me ₹50 one way. Now, I am saving the money that I used to spend on auto rides. The buses are crowded and will take time. But hopefully, the crowd may come down eventually and the bus fleet will be expanded,” she said.
She’s not alone. Auto drivers in the city claim that the success of the Shakti scheme only meant they were losing business further. Most auto drivers in the city have been seeing a decline in auto bookings, especially on ride-hailing applications, allege autorickshaw drivers’ unions.
