Pune's autorickshaw drivers' coalition, the End Mile Connectivity Federation, has introduced a new app called O Rickshaw for the convenience of Pune commuters. The app, launched on March 5 in collaboration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), Suma Soft, and Pune Metro, is designed to enhance passenger experience by offering 'no commission' charges to autorickshaw drivers. Drivers will only be required to pay a daily platform fee.

Operated based on the Regional Transport Authority's (RTA) tariff declared a year ago, the app displays estimated fares on the passenger's app, starting at Rs 25 for the first one and a half kilometers, followed by Rs 17 per kilometer. However, passengers will pay based on the meter reading.

According to Shrikant Acharya, the federation's advisor, O Rickshaw is currently exclusive to Pune commuters, providing an improved journey experience managed by Suma Soft. Unlike other private companies, the app does not deduct any commission from the driver's fare, ensuring that the full amount reaches the driver's account.

Acharya stated that if an auto driver refuses to take a ride three times, a common complaint from Pune commuters, the driver will be suspended for a month. This is in contrast to other platforms where drivers have to pay an additional commission on the total fare.

Nitin Nair, Vice President of ONDC, mentioned that the collective will charge a Rs 10 platform fee, valid for 24 hours. Drivers must upload all required official documents for the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to onboard the app, and there are no limitations for drivers to join the federation. Currently, around 12,000 autorickshaw drivers are part of the federation, with an expected addition of around 35,000 drivers in the coming months.