It's a Hit - 'She' Auto Project

'She' Auto project has received huge response from public with More drivers approaching seeking inclusion.

T he barely one-month-old 'She Auto' project, which had been launched in the city to ensure safe travel for women commuters, has become a massive hit.

The autos stamped with 'She Auto' stickers have garnered such great acceptance that several auto drivers in the city have approached the Home Department, which launched the initiative on February 15, with the request to be included in the project, said IG Manoj Abraham, who mooted the idea. "We have received an overwhelming response from the public and there are quite a few requests from other auto drivers also to include them in the programme," he said.

As many as 450 auto drivers have been registered in the project, but the department isn't accepting new registrations at present. "We have to ensure the safety of the commuters and the credibility of the drivers. We will only include drivers of good conduct. This will be done after conducting detailed background inquiry otherwise the whole intended purpose will be negated," Abraham added.

Five tablets have been installed in the auto-rickshaws to ensure safety. The tablet will give real-time information about speed, location, time and fare to travellers. "Once the tablets are installed in all the autos, we intend to track the autos from the control room," said Abraham. In the next phase the tablets will be installed in other auto-rickshaws in association with the social welfare department and IT mission and dedicated app services will be implemented which will help commuters to contact the auto drivers.

Tech fitted

• Vehicles included in the project are installed with a tablet which will give real-time information on speed, location, time and fare to travellers
• Free internet is available in the vehicle
• The commuters can locate the nearest vehicle through mobile app
• Passengers can file complaints or even give suggestions on the toll-free numbers 100, women helpline numbers 1091 and 9995399953,

"This is a great attempt by the police department. It is reassuring to women commuters since they can use it without second thought. But if such a system had been in place before then the need to launch such projects which requires segregation would not have been necessary," Gopika J, a PG student.

She Auto stands in Attingal, Nedumangad

The Home department will soon start 'She Auto' stands at Attingal and Nedumangad, IG Manoj Abraham said on Monday. "The plan is to expand the services to the Taluk level as such services are needed more there since the localities are more or less deserted," he said. At present the She Auto services are available at the railway stations in Pettah, Thampanoor, East Fort, Palayam, Peroorkada, Medical College and Kazhakootam in the city. Considering the huge response from the public, the department has expanded the project to Kollam, Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta.

Huge Success

• She Auto initiative receives huge response
• She Auto stands will be opened at Attingal and Nedumangad
• Till date 450 auto drivers have been registered in the initiative
• They are stationed at the auto stands at Thampanoor Railway Station, Pettah Railway Station, East Fort, Palayam, Peroorkada, Medical College and Kazhakoottam
• Drivers who have been included in the project don't have any criminal case
• They have a record of behaving properly with passengers
• They have been given training on women safety and about the correct professional behaviour
• More auto drivers approach the home department seeking inclusion
• Plans afoot to expand services to taluk level