KOCHI: It’s common knowledge that autorickshaw drivers in the city have remained one of the most ill-favoured lot here. And getting into the locals’ good books is a rarity. However, the autorickshaw drivers at the auto stand in Kaloor are setting an example, one which would hopefully make other auto drivers follow suit.
In a unique gesture of good will, the members of the auto union at Kaloor are giving free rides for dialysis patients to hospitals. These autos have a sticker stuck on the back of the driver’s seat offering free service to dialysis patients to any hospital in the city.
The union decided to take up this initiative when they learned that a few auto rickshaw drivers from the Kaloor stand had charged extra amount from passengers who had taken rides to the hospitals for dialysis treatment.
“Plenty of patients approach our stand for a ride now after getting off at the Kaloor bus stand. Many of them are patients of a nearby hospital. We are able to judge these patients through their physical appearance. Other times, they tell us when they see the sticker stuck behind our seat,” said Charlie Manpurakkal, auto driver and secretary of the autorickshaw union at Kaloor.
“There are some who are driven to the General Hospital as well. There are many regular passengers now who are familiar with us,” he added.
The Kaloor autorickshaw union is hoping that other autorickshaw unions will be inspired to take up similar selfless deeds for needy passengers.