In a bid to shake up the autorickshaw ride-hailing space in Mumbai and Thane, a new app called Yatri Mitra has entered the scene. The app is a joint initiative between Seva Sarathi Autorickshaw Taxi & Transport Union (SSATTU) and Thane-based tech firm Metazen Labs, and it’s already creating a buzz among both drivers and commuters.
Unlike the dominant platforms that have long drawn criticism from drivers over commission cuts, Yatri Mitra takes a different route: no commissions at all. Auto drivers who join the platform pay a flat fee of ₹25 per day and keep the rest of their earnings. On day one alone, over 2,000 drivers signed up, according to Metazen Labs director Narendra Rao.
The platform is currently running in beta and plans a full public launch on July 15. It’s owned and operated by Metazen Labs, a subsidiary of Kaizen Infotech Solutions — a software company whose client roster includes the Income Tax Department, Godrej Group, and the Thane Municipal Corporation.
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SSATTU, acting as the drivers’ representative body, has been instrumental in onboarding its members and building trust around the new system. General Secretary D.M. Gosavi confirmed that riders using Yatri Mitra will be charged standard meter fares, with no hidden or extra “convenience” fees — a rare thing in today’s app-based transport landscape.
On top of its no-commission promise, the app also provides a layer of financial protection for drivers, offering accident insurance worth ₹3–5 lakh. This benefit is expected to further boost interest among rickshaw operators who have often found themselves squeezed by the economics of larger platforms.
The move comes as alternative ride-hailing models are gaining traction across India. Bengaluru’s Namma Yatri, launched in 2022 by Juspay along with local auto unions, was the first to make headlines for its driver-first, zero-commission approach. It has since expanded to multiple cities including Delhi, Kochi, and Kolkata.
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Inspired by these successes — and spurred by growing driver discontent — even industry giants have started adapting. Uber moved to a zero-commission model for its auto services earlier this year, positioning itself as a tech enabler rather than a cut-taking intermediary. Ola followed suit just last week, extending the model across its bike, auto, and cab services.
Adding to the momentum, the Indian government announced its own ride-hailing platform, Sahkar Taxi, scheduled for launch in March. Backed by the Centre, the initiative promises 100% earnings retention for drivers — a policy Home Minister Amit Shah said would protect livelihoods and improve driver welfare.
As for Yatri Mitra, Metazen Labs already has plans to expand the service beyond Mumbai and Thane. Maharashtra’s other major cities are on the radar, and a leap into cab bookings is also on the table.
In a crowded ride-hailing ecosystem, Yatri Mitra hopes to stand out by putting drivers first — and giving riders a simpler, more transparent way to get around.
