Rapido is a welcome pro-commuter move, and the government must now focus on reining in loot spree by black auto operators across Jammu and Kashmir
The entry of the Rapido ride-booking service in Jammu city has brought visible relief and happiness among commuters, with many citizens welcoming the affordable and convenient transport alternative.
With excitement, the citizens while sharing their experience of ride booked through Rapido asserted that a journey of nearly 3 kilometres through an auto booked on the Rapido app costs around Rs 70, whereas commuters were earlier forced to pay exorbitant fares ranging between Rs 250 to Rs 300 by black auto operators.
Apart from auto services, citizens particularly appreciated the affordability of two-wheeler rides booked through the app, describing them as economical and time-saving amid increasing traffic congestion in the Jammu city.
Ridhima, a regular commuter, said that the Rapido app has not only reduced travel expenses but also improved the overall commuting experience.
“The service is economical, convenient and commuters no longer have to face the rude behaviour that passengers generally encounter while travelling through black autos,” she said.
Noted social activist Rajeshwar Singh Jamwal strongly supported the app-based transport service and criticized the functioning of black auto operators in the city.
“Ride booked through Rapido is the best. Who wants to be looted by black auto operators who allegedly operate in connivance with concerned departments without meters and charge exorbitant fares,” Jamwal remarked.
Expressing dismay over the protest reportedly raised by the Black Auto Union against app-based services, Jamwal further stated, “Instead of crying foul to maintain monopoly for fleecing commuters, they should change with time and operate in the spirit of competition.”
Another citizen, Arvind Sharma, termed the protest against Rapido as baseless and said the government should act against overcharging and non-use of mandatory fare meters.
“The protest is entirely devoid of any genuine concern. Rather than opposing affordable services, authorities should penalize operators charging exorbitant fares in blatant violation of government-fixed rates,” Sharma said.
Questioning the decades long silence of government over black autos operating sans meters, citizens in unison also criticised the alleged loot spree by newly launched e-autos and e-rickshaws, claiming that, like black auto operators, they too have started charging exorbitant fares in blatant violation of the fare rates fixed by the Transport Department.