#Noida, #Ghaziabad set to launch pink autos

On Jan 29, 2016

Noida: Following Gurgaon’s footsteps, a pink auto service will be introduced in Noida and Ghaziabad soon, to provide safe commute to women passengers. The regional transport office has said it has already completed all formalities and will soon hand out permits to eligible applicants.

“The autos, painted in pink, will only ferry women passengers. We’ve completed all formalities and will start issuing permits to people who’ve completed all norms and procedures,” said Ghaziabad RTO Mayank Jyoti. Pink autos will be given separate permits to ply in Noida and Ghaziabad.

At a meeting between the administration, transport officials and traffic police on Thursday, it was decided that 14 stands for pink autos will come up in the twin cities, with 11 in Noida and three in Greater Noida. Rajesh Singh, ARTO (enforcement) Noida, said 250 autos will ply in Noida while 70 have been slotted for Greater Noida.

Pink autos will be available outside all Metro stations to provide last-mile connectivity. Stands will also come up outside sectors 12-22, 37, 56, 62 and GIP Mall. The Greater Noida stands will be at Knowledge Park, Pari Chowk and Jagat Farm.

The Noida auto union has welcomed the move. Chaudhury Om Prakash, president of the Noida auto union, said pink autos are necessary for improving the travel experience of women in the city. He, though, said the auto union has not received any communication from the authorities about the launch of the programme yet. “We do not know the eligibility criteria for a pink auto permit. Once we get the information, we will ask auto drivers to explore options and apply for pink auto permits,” he said.