Introduced in December for a pilot run, e-rickshaws have become a hit among residents of all age groups, in Matheran. On an average, approximately 500 people, including children who had walked kilometres to school, used the service. Now, the state government will be submitting a report to the Supreme Court on the rickshaw’s feasibility in the high-gradient roads of the hill station.

More than 50,000 people, including nearly 8,000 students, used e-rickshaws between December 5 and February 17, data shows. The new mode of transport in the hill station became popular among senior citizens and visitors, too. The Matheran municipal council had launched the pilot project on December 5 for three months, following orders from the SC. E-rickshaws operate from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm daily between Matheran bazar and Dasturi naka, i.e. the taxi stand. While adults pay Rs 35 per head, students are charged Rs 5.