By Our Reporter
Shillong: Local cabbies in the city are gradually turning into a menace, leaving the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) red-faced, openly flouting the rates fixed by the Transport Authority, harassing passengers and resorting to blatant ‘looting’ in the name of taxi fares.
Cabbies, besides being involved in over charging, also resort to over loading, carrying as many as six passengers, especially from Police Bazaar junction at night time when the rush is heavy and the number of taxis is less.
There are numerous reports of commuters from Last Stop area being forced to pay Rs 10 till Civil Hospital junction despite the prescribed rate being Rs 5 per head.
Passengers to and from Jhalupara and Civil Hospital Point are made to pay Rs 10, double the rate fixed by the RTA.
One irritated commuter, while speaking to this scribe, said, “How many times should I fight with the driver for the same issue? So just pay the fares as charged by the drivers.”
Another commuter was of the opinion that it was high time the entire city is covered by the SPTS buses so that commuters in each and every area are not forced to pay the excess fares demanded by the taxi drivers.
People in the Pynthorumkhrah area have to pay an amount of Rs 15 from Shillong Golf Club till IGP point despite the rate being Rs 10.
When contacted, RTA chairman Jopthiaw Lyngdoh issued a stern warning that the cabbies have to abide by the rates fixed by the authority without any exception.
“If there is any instance where people have been over charged they should complain to the RTA or the DTO,” he added.
