In a nation governed by democracy, participation in the electoral process transcends mere privilege; it embodies a fundamental civic duty, as underscored by Vikasraj, the Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana. Each eligible voter bears the solemn obligation to grace the polling stations with their presence and exercise their sacrosanct right to cast their ballot. In a bid to bolster voter turnout, Rapido has inaugurated the ‘Ride Responsibility’ initiative, offering complimentary transportation services during the General Election of 2024. The inaugural ceremony took place at the prestigious LB Stadium situated in the heart of Hyderabad.
Dignifying the event with his esteemed presence as the chief guest, CEO Vikasraj lauded Rapido’s noble endeavor to furnish free conveyance to voters on the day of reckoning in the state. He remarked upon the lamentable statistic indicating a voter turnout in Hyderabad hovering stubbornly below the 50% mark and expressed optimism in surpassing this threshold, aiming for an impressive 60-65% participation rate this time around.
K. Srinivasa Reddy, the City Police Commissioner, cautioned against the insidious machinations of political factions seeking to entice voters through dubious means on polling day, urging Rapido not to inadvertently abet such nefarious schemes.
In elucidating the mechanics of the initiative, Rapido’s spokesperson, Rohit, elucidated that come Election Day, voters may avail themselves of complimentary rides facilitated by the Rapido app by employing the designated code ‘vote now’. Moreover, special provisions have been made to cater to the needs of the differently-abled and elderly populace in Hyderabad, ensuring their seamless access to the polling stations. This benevolent service extends to other urban centers where Rapido’s services are operational, encompassing the cities of Karimnagar, Khammam, and Warangal. Notable figures such as Rapido’s co-founder, Pawan Guntupalli, graced the occasion with their presence alongside a host of other luminaries.