‘Males also board women-only taxis’
By Our Reporter
Shillong: The much-hyped women-only taxis launched by the State Government with much fanfare last year has turned a damp squib, as the project failed to attract women drivers, prompting the administration to hand over the permits to male drivers, who are now being accused of not adhering to the rules.
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) was forced to hand over the permits for these women taxis to the male drivers after it has failed to take off with only three women drivers plying their taxis on the city roads. But the rules prescribed under the scheme remains the same – these taxis are meant to cater to only women and children.
Women commuters have alleged that the male drivers do not abide by the rules prescribed under the scheme. “These male drivers allow males to board these women-only taxis which is a severe discomfort for us,” some women alleged.
“These male drivers take male passengers too. So what is the point of having these women-only taxis when the drivers don’t follow the rules,” a concerned commuter added.
Responding to the complaint, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Sanjay Goyal, said, “No one has come forward with such complaints in black and white. Action will be taken if the drivers are found not abiding by the rules.”
Meanwhile, stating that this is an ambitious initiative of the State government, the DC said, “Response from the female drivers has been less at the initial phase as this new idea might take more time to be absorbed by everyone.”