Nanos may push autos out of B'lore

To slowly phase out autorikshaws and to provide a safe local transport mechanism to the people, the government is contemplating buying 10,000 Nano cars to use them as city taxies.

“The government plans to allow people to ply these vehicles on lease. The BMTC will fix the meter and fares. It is only a loud thinking. Nothing has been decided as yet. The transport department will take everybody into confidence before taking any decision,” Transport Minister R Ashok told reporters on Saturday. Once the BMTC successfully implements this initiative, the idea of using taxi as a local mode of transport will catch up, the minister feels.
Autorikshaw drivers will be encouraged to run the car on lease and this will bring down the pollution level and traffic congestion, Ashok said.

As taxis are yet to catch up as a local mode of transport in Bangalore, autorikshaws are playing a dominant role in city traffic. There are about 50,000 autorikshaws in Bangalore.
“A Nano car costs Rs 1 lakh. The BMTC will easily get loans from financial institutions to buy 10,000 cars. It may cost around Rs 100 crore. The corporation is financially sound to buy cars on its own also,” he The government wants to provide safe local transport.stated.

Ashok, however, said if the government gives its approval, the Nano car service will be implemented in such a way that it does not affect those dependent on autorikshaws for their livelihood.

“Metro rail, once implemented, will considerably decongest Bangalore roads. Still, people need a local, efficient and safe local transport facility to at least reach Metro rail stations,” he said.