Shivamogga: In an effort to make autorickshaw rides safer, the Shivamogga Police Department launched a passenger safety app “AutoMitra” on May 29.
Addressing the media in the Police Auditorium at the SP Office here, Superintendent of Police Abhinav Khare said that the app was developed to ensure better safety for the passengers, especially women, using the autos in the city.
Police hope to control the incidences of rash driving, misbehaviour, extra fare for rides and other complaints from the citizens. Passengers who install the “AutoMitra” app on their smartphones can know the details of the driver, auto number and other important information by scanning a QR code posted behind the driver’s seat.
The passengers can also easily share this ride details on other platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, SMS, email at the press of a button. Also, the police will be able to track the movement of the vehicle and reach the spot in case of any emergencies.
Giving details about other measures taken to enhance the safety of passengers, Abhinav said that only the autos registered in the Shivamogga city are allowed to ferry passengers within the city limits. Drivers who use rented autos have also been issued separate identity cards. The owners too have been issued separate identity cards, he added.
Day by day the traffic is worsening in Shivamogga city. Roads are choked during rush hours as more vehicles are on the road everyday. To identify and penalise traffic violators, the police have installed Traffic Enforcement Automation Technology, the SP informed. “So far we have detected 8,700 traffic violations since the system has been operational. We have sent notices to 1267 violators and collected Rs 1,27,500 in fines”, he added.
