Local Transportation Noida

There are many means of local transportation in Noida, including rickshaws, auto rickshaws and busses. Local transportation in noida now has a new player, "Eco Rick". Eco Rick is a battery powered on call rickshaw service launched in Noida, with a promise of transforming the face of local transportation in Noida. 


Local Transportation Noida

Ecorick battery rickshaws was started out of an entrepreneur’s desire to start something unique and challenging. The entrepreneur in this case is Mr. Manik Thapar, of whom we read a lot in the waste management sector, and like any entrepreneur he’s always on the lookout of the next big thing. Also, it’s an added advantage if that idea is made for the social good and is easy to implement to gain widespread acceptability.

Mr. Thapar came across the new concept of starting a battery operated rickshaw service in Noida when nobody else was doing this in the country i.e. commercially operating such a service on a large scale. We find radio taxis all over but not any service for rickshaws for local commuting. Why battery rickshaws? Because they are eco-friendly as they don’t cause any pollution, they are faster than normal cycle rickshaws as they run on motor power and they don’t stress out the rickshaw pullers-they can earn more because of less fatigue and waiting time.

It started with an experiment and market study of the usage patterns of public transport in the city. With the advent of the metro in Noida, a lot of people choose to commute on it and a feeder system was missing in the city and Ecorick aims to bridge this gap. Also, finding a rickshaw in far-fetched areas and negotiating with the rickshaw-pullers can be a hassle which Ecorick aims to solve. The rates are fixed, the drivers trained and a call center is established to look after each customer’s needs. Ecorick can also be called at one’s doorstep at no extra cost with the sole motive of bringing convenience to the customer.   

What’s more? The rickshaws have GPS installed on them. The passengers are insured, are given the luxury of mobile chargers, newspapers and mineral water on board. And all this at no extra cost i.e. the fares are similar to what a normal cycle rickshaw would cost to travel from A to B within Noida.

The service also caters to regular users like school children, college/office-goers and metro users who can subscribe for a monthly bill system at a discounted price. Time to time Ecorick comes up with promotional offers like discount coupons and one free ride for every 10^th ride.

The overall response has been very good both from the driver and the community side. The drivers are removed from the hassles of paddling and can earn more on an automated vehicle. They are happy to be permanently employed with an established company getting free meals, insurance, uniforms and security.

The passengers response have been mixed and dynamic. Some like the rickshaw for the style statement attached to it, some like the fast and smooth ride, some appreciate the safety aspect while other like the timeliness of the service. Mothers feel safe sending their kids on the rickshaw as they are assured that the company is responsible for the actions of the drivers. The elderly prefer not to walk a lot to search for a rickshaw when it can be easily called at their doorstep. 

In the coming future, Ecorick will see its fleet getting expanded and more people using its services. There are plans to expand into Greater Noida as well.