By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The launching of the much-awaited maxi taxi in the State is all set to be delayed.
Sources on Thursday said the maxi taxis would be launched in January not on December 21 as declared by the Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh recently.
The maxi taxis, awarded to the State Government under the 13th Finance Commission, is expected to give the much needed boost to the public transport system as these taxis would run on those routes which are presently not being covered by the SPTS buses.
Reacting to a query about the delay, sources said the taxis have not yet arrived in the state.
Lungdoh had earlier informed that a committee would be formed under the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) to run the proposed taxis. Unemployed youths who will operate the maxi taxis will be provided necessary training, she added.
“Initially we will launch ten taxis each in Shillong, Tura and Jowai,” she said, while adding that ten taxis would also be allotted to Baghmara and seven taxis each would be sanctioned for Williamnagar and Resubelpara towns.
The maxi taxi, which would have seating capacity for 7-8 passengers, will be initially launched on a trial basis. The SMB would act as the nodal agency to ensure the smooth operation of the new service.
