Auto-rickshaw with multiple registration numbers operating for Ola and Rapido sparks safety concerns

Vartha Bharati | 07-04-2023 | 14:41:00 IST

Image Courtesy: @Supritj| Twitter

Bengaluru: A man took to Twitter to share a photo of an auto-rickshaw that operates for both Ola and Rapido, highlighting an issue with safety. The vehicle was operating with three different registration numbers, including one for the ride-hailing apps and its original registration number. This situation has caused concern among users who worry about how authorities would track these vehicles in case of crimes. Ola responded to the tweet, asking for more information.

The incident has sparked a debate among netizens about the legality of the situation, with some suggesting the driver is moonlighting. This follows a similar incident last month, where a man shared a photo of an Uber auto-rickshaw driver who was also a YouTube influencer.

Suprit posted on Twitter about an incident in E-city, referring to it as another "Peak Bangalore" moment. He shared a photo of an auto-rickshaw that works for both Ola and Rapido, which had three different registration numbers. The vehicle displayed a temporary number plate for the ride-hailing apps and its original registration number was displayed on the number plate

Another #PeakBangalore moment in E-city. How many registrations is too many registrations? @peakbengaluru pic.twitter.com/SaW9hMKBQV
— suprit j (@jadhav_suprit96) April 5, 2023

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Another woman posted “I always wondered about such different vehicles arriving with different registration numbers when booked through ola. I dread for my safety when this happens! How will @ola_supports or #bangalore traffic police track such vehicles in case of crimes,”

I always wondered on such different vehicle arriving with different registration number when booked through ola.
I dread for my safety when this happens! How will @ola_supports or #banglore traffic police track such vehicles in case of crimes 🤷
— Deepa (@DeftyDeepa) April 7, 2023

In response to a Twitter user's safety concerns regarding an auto-rickshaw with multiple registration numbers operating for Ola and Rapido, the ride-hailing company's support team responded. Ola Support asked the user to provide the CRN (Cab Ride Number) of the ride in question, along with their registered email ID, via direct message (DM). The company's team would then investigate the matter further.

Request you to share the CRN of the ride mentioned along with your registered Email ID via DM so that our team can look into this. https://t.co/6DHSELSc7K
— Ola Support (@ola_supports) April 7, 2023

In the meantime, another netizen raising his concern said, “Is this legal? I expect ola / rapido / uber would use the actual (RTO provided) registration number of the vehicle,” another user commented. “Dude’s moonlighting,” joked another. “Looks like he rented the auto and he has registered OLA/Rapido using previous rentals,” another netizen said.

Is this legal?
I expect ola / rapido / uber would use the actual (RTO provided) registration number of the vehicle.
— Krishna (@KrisPrajapati) April 5, 2023

In a Twitter post last month, a netizen Sushant Koshy shared a unique encounter he had with an Uber auto-rickshaw driver in Bengaluru. The driver, named Janardhan, had put up a banner inside his vehicle advertising his YouTube channel, Gold Janardhan Investor, where he makes videos about personal finance. Koshy shared a photo of the banner, calling it his "peak Bengaluru" moment.

My Uber auto driver today is a YouTube influencer, specialising in personal finance. @peakbengaluru https://t.co/FZJWWzMFhB pic.twitter.com/crM8Im9JOK
— Sushant Koshy (@sushantkoshy) March 3, 2023

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