75 e-autorickshaws will operate feeder trips from Kochi metro stations providing the much-needed first- and last-mile connectivity

By the end of the month, assuming all goes according to plan, 75 e-autorickshaws will make feeder trips from Kochi metro stations. The autos, which Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) paid for with its money, would offer the crucial first- and last-mile connection from the stations to areas without metro access. From among the numerous respondents, 100 drivers are now being chosen by the Ernakulam Jilla Auto Drivers' Cooperative Society (EJADCS) to drive the vehicles. Salary, incentives, housing, uniforms, and reasonable work hours have all been given.

Drivers responded enthusiastically to adverts. According to EJADCS sources, a shortlisting would be conducted before training in operating electric cars, the app that would be used to collect fares and soft skills. In addition to operating 15 feeder e-buses from metro stations, the metro administration has prepared plans for this. They are anticipated to start operating by early 2024. From Water Metro stations, 20 e-buses and 100 more e-autos will run feeder routes.

According to KMRL sources, the metro agency that had made the capital investment would need EJADCS to pay a little rent. Several e-autos are currently doing feeder trips from metro stations and the Kakkanad terminus of the Water Metro. However, the reaction from women to use them has been slow.