By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Commuters had a tough time on the opening day of Durga Puja on Monday with local cabbies charging exorbitant fares/rates to visit various puja pandals in the city.
Taxi drivers on their own fixed Rs450 or more per hour to ferry devotees from one pandal to another in the city on the occasion of Maha Saptami on Monday, said many devotees from the town. Others said that the taxi drivers are unwilling to reconsider their rates even after bargaining. They said that the taxis generally hike their rates in the evening when devotees are eager to witness decorations and lighting in various puja pandals.
Commuters at large said that the rates being charged by the taxi drivers are unethical because with heavy traffic most of their time will be lost on the road. “These taxis are looting the commuters taking advantage of the festive season,” said a resident from Bivar Road.
The SPTS buses were also seen running to their full capacity. Commuters have expressed their satisfaction over the availability of the bus services since their functioning has eased most of their pressure as they don’t have to depend on the irate taxis anymore. Many commuters have asked the authorities to extend the timing of the bus services at least during the festive days.
Meanwhile, the city experienced huge traffic snarls in major routes on Monday evening. Passengers had to combat major traffic snarls in Rilbong Point, Civil Junction, Khyndailad, Barik, Laitumkhrah, Fire Brigade and other areas of the city. Commuters said that traffic situation will go out of proportion from Tuesday onwards – midway to the Durga Puja celebrations.
