Driving an extra mile

When in Mumbai, one often comes across complaints of bad transport facilities. Interestingly, most of these complaints are concerned with the bad attitude of the drivers. It was his observation of this very problem within the auto drivers’ community that inspired auto driver Sandeep Bacche to provide surprising facilities in his auto. The vehicle includes simple conveniences like tissue papers, sanitizers and first aid, as well as elaborate elements like STD, PCO, TV, mobile charging, WiFi, a power bank and even hot tea and an Oriflame make-up kit.

“From 1992 to 1999, I worked as a peon at a travel agency in Juhu. Every afternoon when I went out to get my senior’s lunch, I saw most auto drivers denying a ride to passengers; this regularly led to fights and arguments between them. It made me think that if these auto drivers are out to work, they shouldn’t be choosy about it,” says Sandeep.

Explaining further, he says, “I sometimes have to deny a ride too, when I am heading home past work hours. But there is a certain way to speak that makes the customer understand and not get angry. We need to understand that an initiative has to be taken from both the stakeholders involved without letting our egos interfere.”

Sandeep Bacche's auto

Sandeep, better known as ‘Munna Bhai’ among his peers, rides his auto in style. “I am a die-hard fan of Sanjay Dutt and he has inspired me to follow  Gandhiesm,” says the Bandra-born auto driver.

Sandeep throws in a special concession for people with disabilities and senior citizens during religious and cultural festivals. “Originally, the metre begins with Rs 18 but in my auto, a ride for senior citizens and people with disabilities begins with Rs 10,” he says. On occasion of any national festival, Sandeep even goes out of his way to provide free rides to his customers. What does he gain out of this one might ask? Simple — happiness.

Sandeep’s quest for happiness is similar to the story of Harbansh, an Uber driver in Mumbai. Despite becoming the leading private cab service providers in the country, Ola and Uber began losing their charm rather recently.

Not only were Ola and Uber incentives cut, but also perks like coupons and free rides for customers were withdrawn, thereby leaving the passengers disappointed yet again.

This is where Harbansh steps in. Hailing from Benaras, Harbansh is an electronic engineer by profession. But his want for change compelled him to take upon driving as a profession as well. “Despite my family’s stern opposition to my decision, my determination to do something different did not wear off. I get to meet new people through this profession,” said Harbansh in smooth English. Harbansh’s Uber is not just any other air-conditioned cab. If you have a headache, the cab has Crocin in store. A Soframycin for a scratch, medicines for other emergencies, chocolates and wafers for the foodie passenger and wet wipes, sanitizer, a mirror for those travelling to an interview or hustling to a party, can all be found in this magic cab.

But how do these drivers, who barely earn around Rs 20,000 a month, afford to spend on these extra facilities? “Around Rs 10,000 goes into maintaining the auto and repaying the loan that I took to buy it,” says Sandeep. He also tries to compensate for the days off of work by delivering talks in various schools, colleges and institutions.

While Harbansh’s Uber reviews have attracted tourists from as far as Japan and the US, Sandeep has delivered two TedX talks and has around 11 awards to his credit. They have surely restored something that India needs the most — dignity of labour.