Bengaluru, Aug 22: With the intention of providing reliable transport service to commuters in the state capital without the usual haggling and extra charges, a city-based NGO called Salaam Centre has introduced few auto-rickshaws which have been plying for over a month in the city.
Although a few in number, the NGO Salaam Centre aims to change the trend of auto drivers charging extra money from the commuters on a regular basis, with the introduction of eight Salaam Autos in the city.
Plying in areas of Bengaluru North such as Shivajinagar and RT Nagar, the auto drivers take the passengers to their preferred destination without charging extra one-and-a-half fare before 10 PM. These autos also run with untampered meters to avoid fares higher than fixed rates, and give 50 percent concession on the incurred fare to differently-abled passengers.
Apart from an assurance of providing hassle-free commuting, another noteworthy feature of the Salaam Autos is plying with booklets which explain the fundamental concept and principles of Islam in over five languages. The booklets have been incorporated to dispel the general misconceptions associated with Islam and Muslims in the society and the outer world. During their commute, the passengers have the opportunity to go through the booklets and learn more about the Islamic way of life.
Speaking to Coastaldigest.com, founder-chairman of Salaam Centre Syed Hamid Mohsin said that the basic intention of the initiative was to change the trend of auto drivers charging extra money from passengers in busy locations in Bengaluru. "With Salaam Autos, we hope to start a new trend of auto rickshaws with friendlier drivers, who are selected based on their honest behaviour," he said.
To facilitate the initiative, Mr Mohsin used the funds he had set aside for Hajj pilgrimage this year. "Although I had initially made plans to go on a pilgrimage to Makkah, I changed my mind and decided to utilise the sum of Rs 15 lakh towards social service instead. In this regard, the concept of Salaam Autos came into being," he said.
He said that there were plans of unveiling additional Salaam autos in the city in the coming days.
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