By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Confused over the recent hike in taxi fares, the local taxi drivers and even the commuters have called for either going as per the revised rates or sticking to the old rates.
The Shillong Times spoke to some of the commuters and taxi drivers in this regard where it was found that most of them are confused with the recent hike in fares.
“Some of them (drivers) ask for Rs 10 from Polo to IGP giving reason for hike in fares, so I simply have to comply with them”, said one commuter
Another passenger said since the notification was issued last week, he did not know whether to pay more or stick to the previous rate as according to the notification, the rate has gone up to Rs 20 per kilometre. “But the problem that arises is how do we calculate kilometers wise while sitting in a cab,” he added.
However, taking advantage of the revised rate, a cabbie was found charging much more from the passengers who were informed of the hike.
It may be mentioned that the revised rate which was issued last week is in accordance with the booking system which is not followed in Meghalaya.
According to the revised rate, the local taxi fare will be Rs 20 per kilometre which indicates that the amount is to be divided between 4 passengers but ignorant of this fact, the taxi drivers have been charging more and the passengers paying more.
Replying to a query, East Khasi Hills District Local Taxi Welfare Association (EKKLTWA) general secretary Wandonbok Jyrwa said as the local cabbies here follow the sharing system so the hike will be enforced only when the tariff cards are ready which will be sometime next week. “As of now, the fares will be the same as earlier ”, he said while adding that fares for those going as per the booking system, will be as per the revised rates.
“The taxi drivers cannot charge an amount which is in accordance with the revised tariff as it is confusing for both the drivers and the passengers. They have to wait till the tariff cards are distributed to them as it will provide a clear detail of the fares to be paid junction-wise”, he said.
Recently, East Khasi Hills District Transport Officer, P Rynjah informed that since Meghalaya follows the sharing system, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) will calculate the rate per junction which will include the name of the location and the fare to be paid by the passengers.
“With the new tariff card calculated location-wise and with the amount clearly mentioned, the passengers will know the exact fare needed to be paid”, added Rynjah.