Tourist friendly autos in Puducherry

The Puducherry Tourism Development Corporation has come out with a scheme to operate what is called 'tourist friendly autos' as part of its steps to promote tourism in the Union Territory.
The Corporation has planned to select 250 auto rickshaws and identify them as 'tourist friendly autos'. The Corporation has been granted permission by the Department of Transport of Puducherry to use the name and logo of the PTDC on these autos which would have painting of different colours so that they could be prominently located by tourists for their conveyance.
The drivers of these 250 autos would be trained on certain parameters by the Corporation, a notification of the Transport secretariat here said today.

The drivers would be trained on "courtesy and friendliness" and would be equipped with details of various places of tourist importance. They would be issued identity cards, special badges and would also be offered periodical counselling.
The scheme envisages improving standard of living of the auto drivers selected under the scheme, the notification said.
The Transport department has given its nod to the Corporation to let it use the Corporation name and logo along with painting of different colours in the vehicles selected for the scheme.
The conditions covering the scheme are that the auto driver should be owner cum driver holding a single auto rickshaw permit. The auto drivers should submit 'no conviction certificate' issued by Police department to ensure 'safety to the tourists. The vehicle should have electronic fare meter fitted with GPRS facility, HSRP number plates and should display the driver identity card issued by the PTDC.

The driver should have a minimum of three years experience in driving auto rickshaws.