the auto rickshaw restructuring project - governance in...

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January 2011

Governance Knowledge CentrePromoted by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public GrievancesMinistry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of Indiahttp://indiagovernance.gov.in/

Researched and Documented by

OneWorld Foundation India

The Auto Rickshaw Restructuring Project

TRANSPARENCY AND

Governance Knowledge CentrePromoted by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Government of India

Table of Contents Executive summary ................................

Background ................................

Problems ................................

Objectives ................................................................

Working Design ................................

Methodology ................................

Key Stakeholders................................

The Way Forward ................................

Recap of Benefits ................................

Issues and Recommendations

References ................................

Appendix A- Interview Questionnaire

RANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Knowledge Centre Promoted by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances


Researched and documented by


Auto Rickshaw Restructuring Project

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Issues and Recommendations ................................................................................................

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Interview Questionnaire ................................................................

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Case Study Urban Development

Rickshaw Restructuring Project

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Government of India

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY It is widely agreed upon that auto rickshaws are a vital mode of transport in Indian cities,

providing low-cost mobility and connecting travellers to mass transit or directly to their

destinations. The auto-rickshaw sector also provides livelihoods for som

citizens.

Recognising the key role that the auto rickshaw sector plays in the urban transportation system,

but also the need for its restructuring, EMBARQ (also known as the Centre for Sustainable

Transport which is part of the World Resources Institute) received a

Philanthropies and Shell Foundation to reform this sector. To date, EMBARQ has conducted a

comprehensive study on the role of auto rickshaws in the urban sector, identifying the areas

that require the most critical attention. A pilot p

2011 with the aim of expansion to other cities over time.

This document looks at the restructuring plan as an appropriate and well

improving the mobility of Indians in a safe, low

BACKGROUND Thirty percent of Indias population is urban. The 285 million urban inhabitants as of 2001, has

been projected to grow to 473 million by 2021, and 820 million by 2051. As such, cities must be

prepared for this change.

One of the major effects of urban population growth has been an explosive increase in the

number of motor vehicles, which has resulted in road congestion and a growing number of

road accidents. For example, on average, the population of Indias

increased by 1.9 times from 1981 to 2001, which is paralleled by the increase in number of

motor vehicles by over 7.75 times during the same period. This has caused a few major

problems. For one, non-motorised modes of transport

dangerous since roads are shared with motorised vehicles. In effect, accessibility to safe

transport has become difficult for the poor. Incidents of accidents have skyrocketed from 1.6

lakh in 1981, to over 3.9 lakh in

increased from 28,400 to over 80,000 during the same period. This again has disproportionately

impacted the poor especially cyclists, pedestrians and pavement dwellers. Lastly, the increased

use of personal vehicles has contributed to the degradation of air quality.







EXECUTIVE SUMMARY It is widely agreed upon that auto rickshaws are a vital mode of transport in Indian cities,

cost mobility and connecting travellers to mass transit or directly to their

rickshaw sector also provides livelihoods for som



Transport which is part of the World Resources Institute) received a grant from Bloomberg



that require the most critical attention. A pilot project will begin in Rajkot, Gujarat in January

2011 with the aim of expansion to other cities over time.

This document looks at the restructuring plan as an appropriate and well

improving the mobility of Indians in a safe, low-cost, and environmentally friendly way.

Thirty percent of Indias population is urban. The 285 million urban inhabitants as of 2001, has




road accidents. For example, on average, the population of Indias six major metropolises has



motorised modes of transport like cycling and walking have become



lakh in 1981, to over 3.9 lakh in 2001. The number of persons killed in road accidents has also



e of personal vehicles has contributed to the degradation of air quality.

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It is widely agreed upon that auto rickshaws are a vital mode of transport in Indian cities,

cost mobility and connecting travellers to mass transit or directly to their

rickshaw sector also provides livelihoods for some of Indias poorest



grant from Bloomberg



roject will begin in Rajkot, Gujarat in January

This document looks at the restructuring plan as an appropriate and well-designed solution to

and environmentally friendly way.

Thirty percent of Indias population is urban. The 285 million urban inhabitants as of 2001, has




six major metropolises has



like cycling and walking have become



2001. The number of persons killed in road accidents has also



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Government of India

Auto rickshaws per 100,000 people city

Source: Ministry of Urban Development, 2008

The deteriorating situation indicates a critical need to implement transport reforms for the

provision of effective and sustainable public services for safe mobility. Auto rickshaws are

central to this equation as they provide low and middle income commute

accessible form of transport.

Auto rickshaws, or three-wheelers, are a popular medium of public transport for a number of

reasons. Evidential data shows that auto rickshaws are safer than other modes of transport.

Specifically, due to the auto rickshaws lower speed of travel, smaller size and easy

manoeuvrability, it is the motorised way of transport with the lowest commuter fatality rates.

Anecdotally, three-wheelers are also preferable due to the personal space they provide. Last

mile connectivity, from bus or train stations for example, is a commonly identified benefit.

Women and school children are noted as two

Lastly, auto rickshaw is a low emitter of carbon and therefore, is less

environment than alternative forms of transport.

In the capital city of New Delhi, the government has noted a growing pollution problem

primarily due to an increase in the number of private vehicles. One of the best ways to tackle

this issue and curb motorisation is to develop an effective public transport system, of which

auto rickshaws are an integral part because they provide last

instrumental to shifting motorists to public transit.

Focusing on the restructuring of the auto rickshaw sector, EMBARQ (Centre for Sustainable

Transport) conducted a comprehensive study to identify the most pertinent issues at hand. The

following is a summary of their analysis.







Auto rickshaws per 100,000 people city-wise:

Source: Ministry of Urban Development, 2008



central to this equation as they provide low and middle income commute

wheelers, are a popular medium of public transport for a number of


to the auto rickshaws lower speed of travel, smaller size and easy


wheelers are also preferable due to the personal space they provide. Last


Women and school children are noted as two of the most likely travellers by auto rickshaw.

Lastly, auto rickshaw is a low emitter of carbon and therefore, is less

environment than alternative forms of transport.



sue and curb motorisation is to develop an effective public transport system, of which

auto rickshaws are an integral part because they provide last-mile connectivity and also are

instrumental to shifting motorists to public transit.



following is a summary of their analysis.

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rs with a low cost and

wheelers, are a popular medium of public transport for a number of


to the auto rickshaws lower speed of travel, smaller size and easy


wheelers are also preferable due to the personal space they provide. Last


of the most likely travellers by auto rickshaw.

Lastly, auto rickshaw is a low emitter of carbon and therefore, is less harmful to the



sue and curb motorisation is to develop an effective public transport system, of which

mile connectivity and also are



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Government of India

Intermediate public transport (buses, autos & taxis) share amongst road transport modes

Source: City Traffic & Transportation Plans (CTTPs)

PROBLEMS

The Debt Trap

Auto drivers either rent or own their vehicles. Those that rent them from contractors pay 250 to

300 rupees for 10 to 12 hours. Much of their profits are spent on CNG. Today, an average of 80

percent of auto drivers rent their vehicles. Drivers who own aut

loan for both the vehicle and the permit to drive it. Monthly loan repayments are typically 9000

to 15000 rupees.

In 1997, the Supreme Court of India set an upper limit of autos in an attempt to cut carbon

emissions from vehicles. At that time, the price of an auto permit rocketed and a burgeoning

black market for permits emerged. Auto

their existing stock of auto-permits suddenly became a very precious commodity. In t

1990s, a new auto-rickshaw with permit cost Rs.1 to 1.5 lakhs from an auto

after a decade of inflation on the black market, the auto and permit package costs Rs.4 to 4.5

lakhs: Rs.1.45 lakhs for the new auto and Rs.3 lakh for the

also good news for contractors. No new auto

increasing number of willing drivers

autos up, which allowed contractors to hike







rt (buses, autos & taxis) share amongst road transport modes

Source: City Traffic & Transportation Plans (CTTPs)



percent of auto drivers rent their vehicles. Drivers who own autos generally purchase it on a



vehicles. At that time, the price of an auto permit rocketed and a burgeoning

black market for permits emerged. Auto-financiers found themselves in a lucrative position as

permits suddenly became a very precious commodity. In t

rickshaw with permit cost Rs.1 to 1.5 lakhs from an auto


lakhs: Rs.1.45 lakhs for the new auto and Rs.3 lakh for the permit. Hence, the cap on autos was

also good news for contractors. No new auto-rickshaws coming onto the streets but an

increasing number of willing drivers -migrants from Bihar and UP - pushed demand for rented

autos up, which allowed contractors to hike up rents.

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rt (buses, autos & taxis) share amongst road transport modes:



os generally purchase it on a



vehicles. At that time, the price of an auto permit rocketed and a burgeoning

financiers found themselves in a lucrative position as

permits suddenly became a very precious commodity. In the late

rickshaw with permit cost Rs.1 to 1.5 lakhs from an auto-financier. Today,


permit. Hence, the cap on autos was

rickshaws coming onto the streets but an

pushed demand for rented

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Government of India

In 1998, the balance of power shifted in favour of financiers once again. The Supreme Court

ordered that all public transport vehicles convert to CNG. Under the threat of having their

permits cancelled for noncompliance, owner

conversion kit. In 2000, just before the switch, there were 83000 auto rickshaws on the roads,

but just eighteen months later the number dropped to 55000.

Aware that the average auto driver could not afford a CNG kit, so

by the Delhi Finance Corporation. However, the increasingly powerful auto financiers was said

to have: firstly, stalled the soft loan scheme, denying drivers credit and, secondly, arbitrarily

cancelled thousands of auto perm

convert their autos to CNG and had little choice but to sell their autos and valid permits to

financiers at bargain prices. Others had their permits voided and were left with a machine that

they could not legally drive, so selling it to a financier was the only option. The result was a

reduction in the number of autos by nearly 30000.

Financiers hold most of Delhis auto

financier. Most are in the name of the original owner, who may have sold the vehicle many

years ago. When a driver buys the Rs.4 to 4.5 lakh auto and permit package, the permit will not

be transferred into his name until he has paid off the loan, and therefore, he may be drivi

illegally.

Migrants and Logistics

Many auto drivers come from rural Bihar and UP. They have little experience with contracts

and business procedures. They have no way of knowing that the actions demanded of them by

auto-financiers are dubious or illegal. For example, when signing a loan ag

financier will insist that the driver signs several blank contracts. This gives the financier the

ability to raise interest rates above the standard 16 to 18 percent and possibility deny that he

has received money from the driver even when the

supporting the fact that this also allows the financier to charge exorbitant penalty charges and

to trade the drivers debt on the black market. Many of Delhis owner

repaying loans for seven or eight years and sometimes for longer. Due to compounding interest

and late payment penalty charges, payments have been reported as high as Rs. 30000.

Auto drivers must carry roughly sixteen documents with them at all times, including a licence,

commercial badge, vehicle fitness certificate, and a pollution control certificate. Drivers travel

to the Transport Department to complete applications for compulsory documents. However,









permits cancelled for noncompliance, owner-drivers had to spend Rs 25000 to 30000 for a CNG


but just eighteen months later the number dropped to 55000.

Aware that the average auto driver could not afford a CNG kit, soft loans were made available



cancelled thousands of auto permits. Consequently, thousands of drivers were unable to



not legally drive, so selling it to a financier was the only option. The result was a

reduction in the number of autos by nearly 30000.

Financiers hold most of Delhis auto-permits. But these permits are often not in the name of the

n the name of the original owner, who may have sold the vehicle many


be transferred into his name until he has paid off the loan, and therefore, he may be drivi



financiers are dubious or illegal. For example, when signing a loan ag



has received money from the driver even when the full loan has been repaid. There is evidence


to trade the drivers debt on the black market. Many of Delhis owner

n or eight years and sometimes for longer. Due to compounding interest



ercial badge, vehicle fitness certificate, and a pollution control certificate. Drivers travel


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pend Rs 25000 to 30000 for a CNG


ft loans were made available



its. Consequently, thousands of drivers were unable to



not legally drive, so selling it to a financier was the only option. The result was a

permits. But these permits are often not in the name of the

n the name of the original owner, who may have sold the vehicle many


be transferred into his name until he has paid off the loan, and therefore, he may be driving it



financiers are dubious or illegal. For example, when signing a loan agreement, the



full loan has been repaid. There is evidence


to trade the drivers debt on the black market. Many of Delhis owner-drivers have been

n or eight years and sometimes for longer. Due to compounding interest



ercial badge, vehicle fitness certificate, and a pollution control certificate. Drivers travel


TRANSPARENCY AND



Government of India

each application requires a long list of supporting documents (up to fift

drivers simply do not have and may not be able to obtain. For example, a fifty year old driver

applying for a commercial badge may be asked for his school certificates from rural Bihar

which he received thirty years prior. A Delhi ID

applications, are difficult for migrant drivers to obtain. Corrupt practices also arise when

people are aware that requirements are very difficult to meet.

Safety and the Environment

Autos are relatively safe form of travel for a few reasons.

With a 180 cc engine and maximum speed of 40 kilometres per hour, they are easy to

control. The three-wheel design of auto

in traffic, so they are better able to avoid conflicts with other users of the system

compared to 4-wheeled motor vehicles.

Research has shown that the presence of auto

variations in traffic flow and helps maintain traffic flow within a particular speed range.

Through the use of technology and by

increased even further. The Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) recommends

that the government require auto rickshaw owners and drivers to carry biometric smart cards

and public service vehicle b

recommendations include using Global Positioning System (GPS) to improve fare calculation

and mitigate overcharging; upgradation of emissions testing systems, and exploration of

different approaches to better integrate the auto rickshaws with mass transit such as the

provision of parking for auto rickshaws at bus and metro stations.







each application requires a long list of supporting documents (up to fifteen), which many auto



which he received thirty years prior. A Delhi ID and a ration card, which are standard for many


people are aware that requirements are very difficult to meet.

Safety and the Environment

form of travel for a few reasons.


wheel design of auto-rickshaws also make them easily manoeuvrable


wheeled motor vehicles.

Research has shown that the presence of auto-rickshaws on the road reduces speed


Through the use of technology and by tightening regulation, the safety of autos can be



and public service vehicle badges, which can be built through an integrated system. Other



ches to better integrate the auto rickshaws with mass transit such as the

provision of parking for auto rickshaws at bus and metro stations.

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een), which many auto



and a ration card, which are standard for many



rickshaws also make them easily manoeuvrable


rickshaws on the road reduces speed


tightening regulation, the safety of autos can be



adges, which can be built through an integrated system. Other



ches to better integrate the auto rickshaws with mass transit such as the

TRANSPARENCY AND



Government of India

Source: National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore

On a per passenger basis, auto

due to their smaller engines. With the conversion of auto

(CNG) in Delhi and from 2-stroke engines to 4

been addressed to a large extent. Similar opportunities exist in other cities to make auto

rickshaws more environmentally friendly.

Integration

Promoting auto-rickshaws in a city is a key part of developing an integrated public transport

system. The service provided by auto

privacy, which may not be matched in many cases, even with an excellent

Space

Promoting an intermediate public transport (IPT), auto

considered favourable as it would utilise a considerable amount of less space. For every new

private car, a minimum of two additional parking

and the other at the destination). An auto rickshaw, on the other hand, only requires one

parking space in the city since there are typically no parking fees for private cars in urban areas.

An auto-rickshaw carries on average the same number of people as a private car, while

occupying one-third the parking area and half the space as a car while in motion.

Lowering Costs

Auto rickshaws, as compared to private cars, consume about one

their production owing to their smaller size. Lower capital costs also allow auto








per passenger basis, auto-rickshaws produce lower emissions as compared to private cars,

due to their smaller engines. With the conversion of auto-rickshaws to compressed natural gas

stroke engines to 4-stroke engines, emissions

been addressed to a large extent. Similar opportunities exist in other cities to make auto

rickshaws more environmentally friendly.

rickshaws in a city is a key part of developing an integrated public transport

system. The service provided by auto-rickshaws helps with point-to-point connectivity, and

privacy, which may not be matched in many cases, even with an excellent

Promoting an intermediate public transport (IPT), auto-rickshaws instead of private cars, is


private car, a minimum of two additional parking spaces are required in the city (one at home,



arries on average the same number of people as a private car, while

third the parking area and half the space as a car while in motion.

Auto rickshaws, as compared to private cars, consume about one-third the national resources in

their production owing to their smaller size. Lower capital costs also allow auto

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rickshaws produce lower emissions as compared to private cars,

rickshaws to compressed natural gas

stroke engines, emissions from this sector have

been addressed to a large extent. Similar opportunities exist in other cities to make auto-

rickshaws in a city is a key part of developing an integrated public transport

point connectivity, and

privacy, which may not be matched in many cases, even with an excellent bus system.

rickshaws instead of private cars, is


spaces are required in the city (one at home,



arries on average the same number of people as a private car, while

third the parking area and half the space as a car while in motion.

third the national resources in

their production owing to their smaller size. Lower capital costs also allow auto-rickshaws to

TRANSPARENCY AND



Government of India

operate at rates that serve as a low

populations. Due to their lower weight and slower speeds, auto rickshaws cause less wear

tear of pavement, thus also lowering the costs of highway maintenance.

OBJECTIVES To push forward transport reforms that will ensure a sustai

friendly and non-polluting auto rickshaw system in urban areas.

To achieve this they hope to:

Assessing issues and problems in the sector

Documenting past reforms, (conversion to CNG gas, 4 stroke engine etc)

Evaluating potential reform options for the future, and

Developing a restructuring plan for the auto

for target cities in India.

Working Design

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

Centre for Sustainable Transport in India

the overall restructuring and reform of the auto rickshaw sector. A coordinated effort to make

the business safer, healthier and more financially secure for drivers would reduce accidents and

improve customer service. The reforms include driver education, regulated working hours,

stricter emissions standards, micro

The current scenario of the auto







operate at rates that serve as a low-cost mode of transport for low-

populations. Due to their lower weight and slower speeds, auto rickshaws cause less wear

tear of pavement, thus also lowering the costs of highway maintenance.

To push forward transport reforms that will ensure a sustainable, cost effective, commuter

polluting auto rickshaw system in urban areas.

Assessing issues and problems in the sector


Evaluating potential reform options for the future, and

Developing a restructuring plan for the auto-rickshaw sector that can be implemented

for target cities in India.

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

Centre for Sustainable Transport in India (a member of the EMBARQ Network) has called for



service. The reforms include driver education, regulated working hours,

stricter emissions standards, micro-financing opportunities and insurance policies.

The current scenario of the auto-rickshaw sector is illustrated in table below:

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- and middle-income

populations. Due to their lower weight and slower speeds, auto rickshaws cause less wear-and-

nable, cost effective, commuter


rickshaw sector that can be implemented

(a member of the EMBARQ Network) has called for



service. The reforms include driver education, regulated working hours,

financing opportunities and insurance policies.

rickshaw sector is illustrated in table below:

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Government of India

ISSUE

Governance

Regulation

Unorganised Sector

Infrastructure

Vehicles

Operational inefficiencies

Source: Centre for Sustainable Transport/Presentation at Urban Mobility Exp 201, Amit Bhatt

Based on the present scenario, Embarq

in Rajkot, Gujarat:

The auto rickshaw sector lacks a governing body to implement policies that would

allow for effective public service delivery. There is also need to involve key

stakeholders in policy making, including the city government, manufacturers, unions,

and civil society. Therefore, Embarq

Agency to control the city operations of the sector. The agency will be looking into the

specifics of governance of the sector to establish an integrated urban transport system.

Due to poor inspection/maintenance service centres, Embarq

with government to provide adequate auto stands and servicing facilities for auto

drivers to ensure maximum customer satisfaction.







SPECIFICS

Lack of a multi-modal governing body

Inadequate involvement of key

stakeholders in policy making (city

government, manufacturers, unions,

citizens, civil society)

Many cities have restricted the number of

autos in the city but are unable to restrict

the growth of personalized vehicles

Lack of policies to drive formalization of

series (such as fleet companies)

Lack of employment benefits

Poor inspection/maintenance

Problems with financing

Lack of brand image and poor driver

behavioural practices

Lack of provision of adequate stands

Inadequate servicing centers for 4

engines

Problems with design (comfort,rain)

2 stroke engines still prevalent in many

cities

Significant empty trip making

Source: Centre for Sustainable Transport/Presentation at Urban Mobility Exp 201, Amit Bhatt

Based on the present scenario, Embarq-CST plans to implement the following reforms starting




ociety. Therefore, Embarq-CST will set up a Specialised Purpose Vehicle



to poor inspection/maintenance service centres, Embarq-CST plans to team up


drivers to ensure maximum customer satisfaction.

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modal governing body

Inadequate involvement of key

stakeholders in policy making (city

government, manufacturers, unions,

Many cities have restricted the number of

city but are unable to restrict

the growth of personalized vehicles

Lack of policies to drive formalization of

series (such as fleet companies)

Lack of employment benefits

Poor inspection/maintenance

Lack of brand image and poor driver

Lack of provision of adequate stands

Inadequate servicing centers for 4-stroke

Problems with design (comfort,rain)

2 stroke engines still prevalent in many

Significant empty trip making

CST plans to implement the following reforms starting




CST will set up a Specialised Purpose Vehicle



CST plans to team up


TRANSPARENCY AND



Government of India

Workshops are to be arranged to address the beh

Safety training will also be given to drivers. Other workshops will held to encourage

auto drivers to use CNG and a 4 stroke engine to improve fuel efficiency and reduce

carbon emissions.

CST will cooperate with loc

auto drivers rights. Today, 90 out of 100 auto rickshaws are owned by private

financiers, resulting in auto drivers as a sort of bonded labourer. This has not

increased refusals, overcharging, a

livelihoods of 80,000+ auto rickshaw drivers and their families. Together, at least

4,00,000 lives stand have been adversely affected by these problems. Mission Mafia se

Mukti (Freedom from Mafia), an ini

has been started.

Efforts will be made to mobilise and organise auto drivers to form a union so that they

have greater bargaining power to demand their rights.

Advertisements on autos will be encouraged in order to attract additional revenues.

METHODOLOGY The OneWorld Research team conducted desk

restructuring project. Background information was gathered through online sources. For

further queries and questions, the team interviewed the senior transportation specialist of

Embarq-CST.

Key Stakeholders

The role of Embarq-CST will be programme facilitator and provider of technical assistance to

the Ministry of Urban Development, urban local bodes, auto drivers, and governing authority

(specialised purpose vehicle agency, manufacturers, auto rickshaw drive

It will also promote awareness on restructuring the sector to all key stakeholders and create a

platform for interfacing between policy makers, practitioners and citizens.







Workshops are to be arranged to address the behavioural malpractices of auto



CST will cooperate with local NGOs such as Nyaya Bhoomi in New Delhi that work for


financiers, resulting in auto drivers as a sort of bonded labourer. This has not

refusals, overcharging, and unpaid challans, but it has also jeopardised the



Mukti (Freedom from Mafia), an initiative that seeks to free vehicles from financiers,


have greater bargaining power to demand their rights.


The OneWorld Research team conducted desk-based research on the auto rickshaw



CST will be programme facilitator and provider of technical assistance to


(specialised purpose vehicle agency, manufacturers, auto rickshaw drivers union and citizens).



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avioural malpractices of auto-drivers.



al NGOs such as Nyaya Bhoomi in New Delhi that work for


financiers, resulting in auto drivers as a sort of bonded labourer. This has not only

nd unpaid challans, but it has also jeopardised the



tiative that seeks to free vehicles from financiers,



based research on the auto rickshaw



CST will be programme facilitator and provider of technical assistance to


rs union and citizens).



TRANSPARENCY AND



Government of India

The Way Forward

The proposed restructuring project was f

by the Institute of Public Transport in New Delhi. The following is a summary of the analyses

presented, including a recap of benefits, issues to be addressed, and recommendations for the

future.

Recap of Benefits

Low cost mobility for lower income, elderly and disabled populations:

popular choice amongst the elderly, disabled and low income groups because they are

found to be convenient and low

School children to school buses

because they can navigate traffic quickly and with ease.

Causes least pedestrian fatalities

the least dangerous mode of transport.

Eco-friendly: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is an efficient fuel

cost and is a non-carbon emitter. Conversion from a two

allows for a light weight, fuel

kilometre, has a higher resistance to wear and tear and a longer lifespan due to a good

lubricating system.

Issues and Recommendations The study conducted found that due to the cap on supply, the auto

underused by citizens even with the high demand. Lifting the ban on auto manufacturing,

removing loan intermediaries and enhancing driver behavioural practices will

autos a sustainable means of urban transport. Another issue requiring attention is the lack of

infrastructure for auto services available. The government will need to properly design a

mapping of new auto stops. A governing body should be orga

for drivers. These laws will help to end the black market of auto permits and prevent local

financiers from harassing auto drivers.

By organising drivers into a union, building infrastructure and streamlining operations,

drivers and the greater community will benefit immensely. An effective promotional campaign







The proposed restructuring project was first announced at the Urban Mobility Expo, organised



Low cost mobility for lower income, elderly and disabled populations:


found to be convenient and low-cost.

School children to school buses: Autos are in demand amongst school children

because they can navigate traffic quickly and with ease.

Causes least pedestrian fatalities: In contrast to buses and private vehicles, autos are

the least dangerous mode of transport.

: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is an efficient fuel-

carbon emitter. Conversion from a two-stroke to a four

allows for a light weight, fuel-efficient engine that is significantly less polluting per

ometre, has a higher resistance to wear and tear and a longer lifespan due to a good

ecommendations The study conducted found that due to the cap on supply, the auto-rickshaw sector has been


removing loan intermediaries and enhancing driver behavioural practices will



mapping of new auto stops. A governing body should be organised to initiate protective laws


financiers from harassing auto drivers.

By organising drivers into a union, building infrastructure and streamlining operations,


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irst announced at the Urban Mobility Expo, organised



Low cost mobility for lower income, elderly and disabled populations: Autos are a


: Autos are in demand amongst school children

: In contrast to buses and private vehicles, autos are

it has a low operating

stroke to a four-stroke engine

efficient engine that is significantly less polluting per

ometre, has a higher resistance to wear and tear and a longer lifespan due to a good

rickshaw sector has been


removing loan intermediaries and enhancing driver behavioural practices will help to make



nised to initiate protective laws


By organising drivers into a union, building infrastructure and streamlining operations, auto


TRANSPARENCY AND



Government of India

will motivate commuters to use autos more frequently. This will surely increase auto drivers

incomes and standards of living.

This project envisions building citizen

improving the conditions for private motor vehicles. A well designed auto rickshaw sector will

be a significant departure from traditional urban transport practices in Indian cities, by pu

the needs of the majority who use public transport at the forefront of consideration.

References http://www.cstindia.org/

http://kafila.org/2010/03/24/auto

comments-are-misguided/

nyayabhoomi.org








incomes and standards of living.

ng citizen-centric urban transport solutions instead of focusing on


be a significant departure from traditional urban transport practices in Indian cities, by pu


http://kafila.org/2010/03/24/auto-rickshaws-in-delhi-why-sheila-dikshit%E2%80%99s

misguided/

CCOUNTABILITY



January 2011

1


centric urban transport solutions instead of focusing on


be a significant departure from traditional urban transport practices in Indian cities, by putting


dikshit%E2%80%99s-

TRANSPARENCY AND



Government of India

Appendix A- Interview Q1. Can you tell us if there is one initiative/reform out of the five that you have listed in your

presentation (change to CNG, private entrepreneurship

Advertising, direct fuel injection for 2 stroke engines) has bee

tell us why you think it has created or will create such a difference? If not, can you explain a bit

about each one?

2. Can you explain what PM10 is?

3. What is a two stroke engine? Why are 2

injection help?

4. Can you explain the role of each stakeholder in the auto rickshaw restructuring project? How

will the restructuring project benefit each one of them?

Civil society

ULBs (urban local bodies)

Transport Authority

Unions

Drivers/owners/renters

Manufacturers of autos

Users/passengers

5. How is EMBARQ, the WRI centre, involved in this project? What is their role?

6. Based on the present scenario of the auto rickshaw sector, how do you plan

of the challenges? * poor governance * regulation * unorganised sector * infrastructure

adequate stands etc. * vehicles

operational inefficiencies driving without pass

7. What is the current status of the project? Where is it currently operational

how far along has it come?

8. Please name the agencies that financed the project? What is the deadline for implementation?







Interview Questionnaire 1. Can you tell us if there is one initiative/reform out of the five that you have listed in your

presentation (change to CNG, private entrepreneurship pilot in pune & bangalore, SIAM

Advertising, direct fuel injection for 2 stroke engines) has been the most impactful? If so, please


2. Can you explain what PM10 is?

3. What is a two stroke engine? Why are 2-stroke engines a problem? How does direct fuel


will the restructuring project benefit each one of them?

ULBs (urban local bodies)

Drivers/owners/renters

Manufacturers of autos


6. Based on the present scenario of the auto rickshaw sector, how do you plan

of the challenges? * poor governance * regulation * unorganised sector * infrastructure

adequate stands etc. * vehicles - problems in design(for rain etc), 2 stroke engines etc. *

driving without passengers

7. What is the current status of the project? Where is it currently operational


CCOUNTABILITY



January 2011

1

1. Can you tell us if there is one initiative/reform out of the five that you have listed in your

pilot in pune & bangalore, SIAM-safe,

n the most impactful? If so, please


? How does direct fuel



6. Based on the present scenario of the auto rickshaw sector, how do you plan to overcome each

of the challenges? * poor governance * regulation * unorganised sector * infrastructure lack of

problems in design(for rain etc), 2 stroke engines etc. *

7. What is the current status of the project? Where is it currently operational- which cities and


the auto rickshaw restructuring project - governance in...

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