JOIN USAimed at helping commuters get hassle-free autorickshaw rides Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) launched a mobile application, POOCH-O, about two months ago in the city.
Though it was introduced with much fanfare, even receiving around 5,500 hits per day, two months on it is drawing a mixed response, from the users. This, largely on account of the unavailability of autorickshaws and wrong numbers.
As per the data in Google Play Store, the POOCH-O application has received 638 reviews so far from the date of its launch. Though it has been rated 5/5 by 335 users, it was also rated 1/5 and 2/5 by 52 and 30 users respectively.
“Since the time the application has developed, it has been accessed 1.5 lakh times. It has been proved to be highly beneficial, especially for women passengers, as they can book autos even as late as 1 am at night,” said a DIMTS official, requesting anonymity. Contrary to the claims of the DIMTS, the application is drawing flak from some users who have tried calling the listed numbers of the autorickshaws only to be greeted by the stock response, “The number you have dialled does not exist. Please check the number again.”
“This is most frustrating, especially if you are running late and need an auto immediately,” says Reena Kapoor, a PR professional with a city-based agency, whose job requires her to be on the move most of the time.
“I was really excited to download the POOCH-O app initially, but lack of autorickshaws and incorrect numbers made me uninstall it within a few days,” said Rajiv Singh, a Delhi University student.
“I tried calling an autorickshaw driver, but he was reluctant to go. The driver said he knew nothing about this application and hence was not obliged to go anywhere,” said Anita Prathapan, another commuter.
However, to the credit of the DIMTS response team, it has started replying to the users’ feedback in a proactive manner.
Replying to a comment made by a user, DIMTS said, “Response of autowallahs cannot be ensured, but we are in the process of correcting the numbers and educating them. We hope to improve your experience with time”. “Para transit has always played a vital role in model connectivity and such a kind of application will definitely strengthen it more,” says Sushant Sudhir on the review section of the app.
“The only ‘lack’ that I see is the lack of awareness of few of the autodrivers, which is being addressed by our business partnership team. They are reaching the autowallahs through FM channels and banners, standees to educate them about the benefits of this mobile app. As a result, more auto drivers are approaching us to get registered under GPS system,” the DIMTS official said.
The POOCH-O app, which is available for download in Google Play Store for free, enables users to locate the nearest autodrivers and book a trip by calling on their numbers. Not just GPS-enabled autos but non-GPS autos are also connected to the app. To get connected with the app, autodrivers are required to send their vehicle registration number along with mobile number to 9958694311 and get themselves registered. Apart from this, the app provides information on the estimated fare, trip distance, travel time as well as the traffic condition on the route, the official said.