If you have read my previous entry in this blog, you already know about carpooling service in India. I carried out an email interview of Jyoti Kalra, Project Coordinator Koolpool MESN. I like the initiative of MESN to make carpooling popular in India. Its unique approach to help commuters through SMS is really something to be followed in other South Asian countries too. To know more about this service, you can visit the website, Koolpool. Here is the interview for the readers:
SouthAsiaBiz: How many registered members do you have?
Jyoti Kalra: Our system is not operational yet but is in the last stages of starting a trial run. We have approached many corporate and all of them have shown good enthusiasm but it takes a while to convert enthusiasm into action.
SouthAsiaBiz: What are the charges that a commuter has to give?
Jyoti Kalra: Annual membership fee is Rs. 350 and all the members are supposed to maintain a prepaid account with us to facilitate transactions. For every ride taken with a ride giver, system will deduct 30 points (1 point= Re 1) from that account and 25 points will be deposited in ride givers account which he can redeem at HPCL petrol pumps for free fuel. Also members have to bear the cost of the sms sent to 8888 (Rs 1.50 to Rs 2).
But for the first 90 days, we are offering a free trial. During this period, members don't have to pay the annual fee. Moreover we are offering free rides also. If they feel comfortable using our system, they can pay the membership fee and be our regular member. HDFC CHUBB is indicating that are willing to sponsor free membership and free rides also for this trial period. Deal with them will be tied up in a day or two. But on a personal level I think it would be unfair to mention names till we sign the documents.
SouthAsiaBiz: What are the problems you face to manage this service?
Jyoti Kalra: One of the interesting features of our system is rewarding the ride giver for ride sharing. But sec 66 of motor vehicle act 1988 is proving to be a limitation, wherein it is not allowed to reward anyone for carpooling. We have been approaching all the concerned govt. officials regarding this. While in principal all of them appreciate the initiative taken by us and are supportive also but then there hands are also tied up and at the end of the day they also have to go by the books. We have to understand that laws and rules and regulations have to be amended and reformed to circumstances in needs. This motor vehicle act was made in 1988, when traffic congestion was not so much of a problem. But keeping in mind the present scenario, the way number of vehicles is increasing day by day, if we don't change things soon and don't encourage Non governmental organizations, be it individual or corporate, who have come up with low cost solutions, it would be real difficult to come out of this vicious circle which is created by us only.
SouthAsiaBiz: What are the problems that your members are facing if any?
Jyoti Kalra: This we'll come to know when we start and we are ready to face the challenge. This is a social experiment which is taking place for the first time in India in such an organized manner, problems are bound to come. But then system will also evolve with time.
SouthAsiaBiz: How many cities are you covering in India?
Jyoti Kalra: Presently we plan to start with Mumbai only, reason being its linear geography. But people are calling up from all over India to enquire about the concept. Our next station would be Bangalore, Delhi and Pune. It is really nice to see that people all over the world are taking such keen interest in koolpool. The good news is that koolpool has been shortlisted to present a paper on its operations at VI International Conference towards Carfree Cities in Bogota.
SouthAsiaBiz: What is your future plan?
Jyoti Kalra: This can't be disclosed at the moment but many value added services will be offered to all the members.
Comment Preview