Mumbai Auto Union Launches Meter-Based Ride-Hailing App 'Yatri Mitra'

Mumbai-based autoricksaw unions Seva Sarathi Autorickshaw Taxi & Transport Union (SSATTU) and software development company Metazen Labs have launched a new auto booking app, Yatri Mitra, for Mumbai and Thane commuters.

While Thane-based Metazen Labs owns the app, SSATTU acts as a community partner bringing auto drivers to the platform.

Metazen Labs is a subsidiary of Kaizen Infotech Solutions, an IT company which offers mobile app development services to clients like the Income Tax Department, Godrej Enterprises Group, Thane Municipal Corporation, among others.

Yatri Mitra, which was launched in beta mode today, is onboarding auto drivers on the platform. The drivers will have to pay a fee of INR 25 per day to get rides from the app, which follows a zero commission model.

Besides the zero commission model, Yatri Mitra will also provide accident insurance to the drivers with a coverage of INR 3 Lakh to INR 5 Lakh. Metazen Labs’ director Narendra Rao told Inc42 that more than 2,000 drivers were onboarded on the app on the first day.

Meanwhile, SSATTU general secretary DM Gosavi said that users will be able to book autos and will be charged as per the meter. Further, no additional convenience fee will be charged from them.

The app is scheduled for a full-scale launch on July 15. Going ahead, it also plans to foray into the cab booking space. Rao added that Yatri Mitra plans to expand its services to other cities of Maharashtra.

It is imperative to note that Bengaluru’s Namma Yatri was launched in a similar fashion in November 2022. While the app was developed by Juspay in partnership with the Bengaluru Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU) and the Beckn Foundation, it was later hived off from Juspay as an individual brand.

Namma Yatri popularised the zero commission model in the ride-hailing space. Starting off in Bengaluru, the startup later expanded its operations to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Kochi, among others. Meanwhile, Rapido, which recently entered the unicorn club, also has a ‘no commission’ model.

Given the surge in popularity of the aforementioned platforms, Uber and Ola also moved to zero commission model. While Uber pivoted to a no commission model for its auto booking service in February this year and only acts as a technology partner to enable online bookings, Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola Consumer shifted to a no commission model last week for its bike, auto and cab bookings.

Besides, the Centre also announced that it will launch Sahkar Taxi in March. The state-backed ride-hailing platform will offer bookings for cabs, two-wheelers and auto rickshaws. Home minister Amit Shah said that drivers will be able to keep 100% of their income with themselves because of this initiative.

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