100 e-autos to operate from Kochi metro stations from November 1

KMRL to issue ‘integrated tickets’ covering fares for travelling in metro and e-auto

Signalling that Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and autorickshaw unions will work together to provide first- and last-mile connectivity from metro stations, the metro agency and Ernakulam Jilla Autorickshaw Drivers Cooperative Society (EJADCS) have reached a pact to operate 100 e-autos from metro stations on the 25-km Aluva-Pettah stretch.

The society has agreed to provide e-autos at all metro stations from State Formation Day(November 1). Conventional autos too will be available at the stations, metro sources said. The decision was taken at a meeting in which KMRL officials led by its managing director Loknath Behera and representatives of the society participated.

EJADCS director board member Simon Edappally said commuters would be able to pay autorickshaw fare at the metro station from where they board the train, following which they will be issued ‘integrated tickets’, which include the fare for metro travel and the pre-fixed auto fare as per government norms. “This will provide a seamless and hassle-free experience to commuters. The ticket can be shown at the auto stand at the station where the passenger alights, following which he can commute to his pre-fixed destination without paying anything extra for the auto journey,” he said.