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Electric rickshaws are also known as totos in Bengali.
E-rickshaw drivers will now have to travel within designated registered routes to avoid unnecessary traffic jams.
In a bid to curb the chaos caused by the rising number of e-rickshaws, the West Bengal Transport Department has announced new guidelines to regulate operations. Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty announced that e-rickshaw drivers will now have to travel within designated registered routes to avoid unnecessary traffic jams and ensure the safety of passengers. Electric rickshaws, also known as totos, were introduced as the last vehicle for public transportation. It was originally introduced to bring commuters from main roads to their doorsteps. After the introduction of totos into the market, many people found jobs.
The transport department will introduce these new guidelines to eliminate the increasing number of vehicles and traffic congestion on roads due to lack of certain rules and regulations.
In this regard, Chakraborty said that the number of Totos across Bangladesh has surged to about 1 million, which is difficult to control without permission for specific routes. In some cases, there have been complaints that Toto caused traffic jams and impeded the movement of buses, ambulances and other vehicles.
That's why the state government will work with local councils and police forces to introduce disciplinary rules. Under the new regulations, every Toto driver will need to be registered to drive a vehicle, which will help control Toto congestion on non-required roads. The minister also said that on various occasions, people were seen buying a lot of Toto. In this case, only one toto is allowed per person.
The government will also monitor the system to prevent exploitation and ensure that Toto drivers, mainly poor and unemployed youth, do not lose their livelihoods. He also said that care will be taken to ensure that the Toto does not drive on high-traffic roads such as highways, where accidents have been increasing. They are only allowed to travel on different pocket routes.
The transport minister also stressed that drivers must adhere to the age limit for operating vehicles as people of all ages are currently involved.
