In a first-of-its-kind development in the country, auto-rickshaws in Chennai will be fitted with a meter with global positioning system (GPS), electronic digital printer and panic buttons for women.
The transport department has sent the technical specifications for auto-rickshaw meters for government approval. New meters will be temper proof and expected to be distributed to auto-rickshaw driver by mid-2014.
With new GPS fitted meters the location of the auto-rickshaws will also be monitored effectively. Once the government gives green signal, the transport department will float tenders to select a company which will distribute the meters. The devices will be sent to all regional transport offices (RTO) and camps will be held in their respective jurisdictions to distribute them to auto drivers.
The movement of GPS fitted auto-rickshaws will be under the eyes of transport department and traffic police through a control room.
Source: The Hindu