BMTC’s loss is private firms’ gain; 2 more roll out last-mile connectivity services at Metro stations

BENGALURU: While the cash-strapped BMTC is unable to scale up its feeder services from Metro stations, more private players are stepping in to provide last-mile connectivity. The latest to join the bandwagon are Loca Rides and PepRide.

While Loca Rides started a cab sharing service with Rs 10-Rs 15 fare to any place from Indiranagar Metro Station, PepRide launched an electric autorickshaw shared service from Dasarahalli and Nagasandra stations.

“We’ve around 25 Loco Points — pick-up/drop points — in 5-6 km distance in and around Indiranagar station,” said a spokesperson. Loco Rides accepts bookings through an app, allows users to track rides and also has emergency buttons for safety. It’ll expand to other stations in a phased manner.

NGO Yuva Chintana Foundation along with PepRide has started inducting electric autos driven by women. “Nearly 20 women have been identified so far under the Janayatri scheme. Two women are now driving electric autos donated by Durga Travels with the help of PepRide. We plan to join hands with BBMP and induct 250 e-autos run by women, five each at every Metro station by the year-end,” said Anupama Gowda, managing trustee of the foundation.