Mumbai Autos Go Digital with 'Yatri Mitra' App

 

 

Mumbai’s bustling autorickshaw ecosystem is going digital with the launch of ‘Yatri Mitra’, a new meter-based ride-hailing app introduced in beta mode by the Seva Sarathi Autorickshaw Taxi & Transport Union (SSATTU) in collaboration with Metazen Labs. Designed to empower auto drivers and offer fair fare rides to commuters, Yatri Mitra introduces a zero-commission ride-hailing model, unlike most mainstream aggregator platforms.

Under this model, auto-rickshaw drivers in Mumbai and Thane pay a flat daily fee of just ₹25 to access ride requests, ensuring they retain a larger share of their earnings. By eliminating commission charges and sticking to government-approved meter fares, the app aims to boost driver earnings, reduce passenger disputes, and bring more transparency to auto fares in the city.

“When we spoke with autorickshaw drivers across Mumbai and Thane, they consistently expressed the need for a platform that supports meter-based fares — something that ensures fairness for both drivers and passengers,” said DM Gosavi, General Secretary of the Seva Sarathi Autorickshaw Taxi and Transport Union, the force behind the initiative.

The platform is currently onboarding drivers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and is set to expand its reach in the coming months. Backed by a driver-first approach, Yatri Mitra enables passengers to book autorickshaws directly via mobile, supporting a tech-driven urban transport alternative tailored to local commuting needs.

This digital initiative reflects a broader trend of urban mobility solutions focusing on driver empowerment, affordable transportation, and smart mobility. With its zero-commission ride app model, real-time auto booking, and focus on local autorickshaw unions, Yatri Mitra could become a pivotal platform in redefining public transport digitisation in India.