Slice of Life: ‘I am making so much more money after going digital’

Things have changed a lot for me after these ride-hailing apps were introduced in the city. I am making so much more money! Honestly, I wish that they had come earlier so that I could have been richer by now. I never ride without a customer anymore, and get customers all the time. That has saved me a lot of money that went into meeting fuel costs. I only work during peak hours – from 6 am to 10 am and 6 pm to 10 pm, as that itself is enough. The income is more than what I would have made otherwise. Also, if I complete a certain number of rides daily, I get an incentive of Rs 11,000 just like that. It’s also safer, you know. I have my ID, and each passenger also has an ID. Additionally, I only take at the maximum three people in an auto. I don’t have to cram five passengers anymore. This is truly a digital world. Earlier, it was quite difficult. 

As I was running on losses, I used to run a side business to supplement my income. I needed the money. Now, the only reason I run that business is because I need something to do once I get old. With this money, I’m helping my nieces and nephews complete their education. People who say that this technology is hurting them are probably telling lies. Its good; we all must go digital. I bought a phone for Rs 4,000 back when people only had landlines, so that they could call and book me for rides. That also got me good money. See now – I’m getting a ride request, I must go.