TIRUCHY: The windshields of autorickshaws usually sport the affinity of the driver -- his favourite political party or film star. But thanks to demonetisation, one more sticker -- of Paytm quick response (QR) code -- has found place in some of the vehicles.
Auto drivers in Perambalur are slowly joining the cashless payment bandwagon. The first to grab the new facility is N Durai (38), a BA Sociology graduate who has been driving the three-wheeler for the past 18 years in the town. Hailing from an agricultural background, Durai’s college education helped him gain access to tech gadgets and a wide range of android applications through his smartphone.
“I have been using android applications for recharging my phone and for online financial transactions between bank accounts. Recently, while browsing news articles, I came to know about the shops that are equipped with QR code scanner-enabled applications, which permits online mode of payment between service providers and customers,” Durai told Express.
His e-commerce endeavour has now become the talk of town. For the tourists visiting the tiny central district at a time when notes of lesser denominations are hard to come by, Durai has been of great help as he has been accepting the fares through Paytm for the past few weeks.
“Though only two or three passengers per day pay me the fares through QR code scanner, fellow auto drivers and also a provisional store close to my home have now adapted the technology. College students and visiting tourist from metros prefer payment through Paytm,” he added.