Adding a historic landmark to the Sri Lankan passenger transport segment, David Pieris Motor Company (Private) Limited, (DPMC) launched E-drive, a model electric three-wheeler (tuk-tuk) taxi service for public transportation. Company has converted 20 Bajaj, three-wheelers as part of this pilot project.
Launched for the first time in Sri Lanka these three-wheelers will initially operate in Colombo and its immediate suburbs. The vehicles can easily be identified due to their unique white and green branding and the service will be available from 7 am to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday. foreign exchange by reducing the fuel bill. Lower running/ maintenance costs of these vehicles lead to cheaper transport costs, as a direct benefit to the passenger.
With the objective to produce a well-disciplined, professional taxi driver force in the country, the drivers of the E-drive taxi service have been trained not only on how to drive this vehicle but have also received refresher training in road rules and road etiquette. In addition, all vehicles are monitored centrally by the Company. The drivers will be wearing an E-Drive uniform, and their details will be displayed in the vehicle for the customer’s information along with a telephone number to call for any issues or driver feedback.
Commenting on E-Dive, Jayantha Ratnayake, Executive Director, David Pieris Holdings (Private) Limited and David Pieris Automotive Cluster said, “We are proud to be the first Company to obtain approval to register our converted Bajaj Three-wheelers. We want to not only use this platform to allow the public to use this greener, cheaper means of transport but also to ensure passengers get a safer ride with disciplined, trained drivers which we hope will set new standards for three-wheeler taxi services.”
“As the experts of Bajaj vehicles in Sri Lanka, we can confidently guarantee the electric conversion done by the DPMC, Only the correct conversions can ensure safety and comfort for the passenger traveling in the vehicle,” Ratnayake added.
He said that when the vehicle is hired a red light would indicate that a passenger is using it to bring the system to international standards. They can be hailed down on the road, booked via the YOGO taxi-hailing mobile app and through a dedicated hotline. These three-wheelers will charge a flat rate of Rs. 65 per kilometer with no added peak hour charges making it the cheapest taxi service in Sri Lanka and payment could be made via a credit card.