A fair fare

The application,which has been specifically developed for the auto-rickshaw fares in the city,has been designed by city-based French web-developer Yvon Cognard and aims to help people calculate the accurate rickshaw fare and avoid being overcharged. Speaking more about this innovative calculator,Cognard says,“The whole idea came to my mind when I learnt that most of the auto-rickshaw drivers would charge excess in case they were going to far flung parts,short distances or even during evening trips.”

The process is a simple one. Visit the i-tunes store online,download the application for free and install it on the i-phone or even the i-touch. And once that’s done,it automatically calculates the required fare when the meter reading is keyed in on the phone. Cognard,who has been residing in the country for the past one year,says that the application isn’t limited only to Pune. “Of course,with the new tariffs in Pune,the revised prices will be updated. I have developed the same application for Mumbai too,” he adds.

Cognard isn’t averse to the idea of developing other such applications for the i-phone as it’s not an expensive affair. “The only cost that I incurred was of obtaining a license from Apple to develop applications for them,which cost me a hundred dollars. Developing the application was not expensive at all. In fact,the reason why it’s available for free is that not many people use the i-phone as of now,but as technology becomes more accessible,I hope my application too becomes popular.”

He is also working on developing side applications that will help the user calculate night-time tariffs,charges for extra luggage or for keeping the auto rickshaw waiting,or to send complaints directly if the drivers have harassed the customer. “The end user applications are endless; one simply needs to channelise them so that everyone can benefit,” he says.