Code Catalyst

In cities and towns local auto-rickshaw drivers are a big part of how people get around every day. They offer flexible ways to travel especially for short trips and areas where buses or metro systems do not go.. Even though they are important a lot of these drivers have a hard time finding people to drive around all the time. One of the reasons for this problem is that they do not have access to digital platforms that can connect them easily with passengers who need rides. Unlike taxi services that use mobile apps most local auto-rickshaw drivers still do things the old way like waiting at stands or driving around busy areas hoping to find someone who needs a ride. This takes a lot of time. Is not a very good way to do things. Local auto-rickshaw drivers often spend a time without getting a fare, which means they do not make as much money as they could. Sometimes they even waste fuel while looking for people to drive around which costs them money to operate their auto-rickshaws. On the hand people who need to use auto-rickshaws also have problems. When someone needs an auto-rickshaw away especially in areas that are not crowded or at times when not many people are around it can be hard to find one. This makes people late and frustrated. Also because there is no system people who use auto-rickshaws might get charged too much money because they do not know what the fare should be or because they cannot negotiate the price. Another big problem is that some people are not good with technology. Many local auto-rickshaw drivers do not know how to use technologies or existing ride-hailing apps, which are often made for private taxis. Even when these platforms are available they might need a smartphone, internet or money to pay for commissions, which some local auto-rickshaw drivers cannot afford or do not want to pay. As a result a lot of auto-rickshaw drivers cannot use the benefits of digital technology. This situation causes problems for both auto-rickshaw drivers and people who use them. Local auto-rickshaw drivers lose money when they are not driving anyone around and people who use auto-rickshaws waste time looking for a ride. Also the whole transportation system is not as good as it could be because available auto-rickshaws are not being used when people need them. So the main problem is that there is no accessible and affordable digital solution that can connect local auto-rickshaw drivers with people who need rides in real time. If we can solve this problem it will greatly improve the lives of auto-rickshaw drivers make it easier for people to get around and help create a better urban transportation system, for auto-rickshaws.