Digital payment systems and financial inclusion for auto-rickshaw transport operator-drivers in India

This research brief outlines the implication of digital payment technologies and credit scoring for self-employed workers operating auto-rickshaw transport services in Bengaluru, India. Despite innovations in financial technologies and the entry of platform-based trip aggregator platforms, Ola and Uber, there are challenges for operator-drivers in using digital payment systems.

We highlight opportunities for auto-rickshaw taxi driver workers’ unions and civil society organisations to promote operator-drivers’ financial inclusion and raise awareness of the risks and limitations of digital payment and platform technologies.