Media Release

Karkala, Aug 3: Third year BE students, Chinthan R K and Dhvanith U of NITTE Technical College have introduced an innovative application which helps the public check for the availability of auto-rickshaws at the nearest stand and book a ride from their mobile phones. The android app not only helps the public by providing easy access to autos, but also helps auto drivers locate prospective passengers effortlessly.

Named 'Auto Please', the app was designed under the guidance of Dr Venugopala P S., associate professor of Computer Science at NITTE Technical College, and was formally launched by Dr Niranjan N Chiplunkar, the Principal of the college, in a virtual ceremony recently.

(L to R): Chinthan R K, Dr Venugopala P S and Dhvanith U

The application is free and can be downloaded from Google Playstore. One installed, the app lets the users select the nearest rickshaw stand, browse through a list of available auto-rickshaws, check the driver's details like name, portrait, license etc., and book a ride. The customer also has the option of calling individual rickshaw drivers in the list. The app initially caters to auto users in and around Karkala and NITTE, and can be developed to a cover wider area.

Speaking about the app, the creators Chinthan and Dhvanith said, “Our app is easy to use and is aimed to provide passengers with easy access to autos. This will also make auto services more efficient and transparent. We have received encouraging responses from customers as well as drivers.”

The app does not require any registration from the passenger’s end. However, auto drivers have to register in the app by providing their details like name, license number, photograph, vehicle registration number and mobile number. Upon registration, and installation of the app, the drivers will get listed in the database. Customers can browse and choose from the list of ‘available’ drivers. The list of available drivers is generated based on the GPS location of the autos in the stand.

Apart from the ease of use, an important feature of the app is the safety aspect; the app does not allow financial transactions, nor does it require or store customer’s details. The details of the drivers are stored in secure servers.

The app can be downloaded from the link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=chinthan.autoplease