Auto-rickshaws in Indian cities: Public perceptions and operational realities

• Published in: Transport policy 2016-11, Vol.52, p.143-152
• Main Authors: Harding, Simon E., Badami, Madhav G., Reynolds, Conor C.O., Kandlikar, Milind
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Auto-rickshaw; Economics of operation; India; Transport policy; Urban transport
• ISSN: 0967-070X; 1879-310X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2016.07.013

Auto-rickshaws play an important role in urban transport in India. Despite this role, auto-rickshaws and their drivers face considerable criticism from the public, the media and policy makers. There is a contentious public debate about the perceived faults of auto-rickshaws and their drivers, and the policies to address these issues in Indian cities. Our objective is to provide balance and nuance to this debate, and to enable the perspective of drivers to be more effectively considered, along with that of auto-rickshaw users and the wider travelling public, in policy-making. To this end, we critically discuss the criticism and underlying perceptions; highlight the niche role of auto-rickshaws in urban transport; and present an investigation of the realities and economics of auto-rickshaw ownership and operation. The actual congestion, safety and air pollution impacts of auto-rickshaws are at strong variance with the criticisms and perceptions on the part of the public, media and policy makers. The realities of auto-rickshaw operation are extremely challenging, and unlikely to place the driver and his family above the poverty line, which may drive some of the actions, such as not going by the meter. Finally, we critically assess policy recommendations to address the issues related to auto-rickshaws and their drivers, and offer our own suggestions regarding open permit systems, improved access to formal sector credit, a timetable for regular fare revision and the phasing out of auto-rickshaws with two-stroke engines. •Auto-rickshaws provide flexible, low-cost niche mobility in most Indian cities.•However, these vehicles and their drivers face criticism and punitive policies.•Auto-rickshaw impacts are at variance with public and policy-maker perceptions.•Despite perceptions of overcharging, drivers face significant economic hardship.•Policy reform is needed particularly related to the permit system and fare setting.