SHILLONG: The common practice resorted to by taxi drivers in Shillong of putting four passengers in the rear seat of the cabs is contrary to Government guidelines, East Khasi Hills District Transport Officer H.F. Khongsit has stated.
The DTO, in his clarification to the Global Social Welfare Association on the issue, said that as per the Government guidelines the actual seating capacity of a local taxi is five including the driver and only three passengers are permitted to sit at the back while one passenger should sit in the front seat adjacent to the driver.
Despite the DTO’s clarification on the matter and the Government guidelines, the cabbies in the city have been flouting all the rules routinely since they always make five passengers sit in their vehicles all day long while in the evening and night time, the situation gets even worse as a total of six passengers – four in the rear seat and two in the front seat – are accommodated in the cabs even in the presence of traffic personnel who seem to have no clues about the guidelines for local taxis.
Also, in what may be termed as rubbing salt on the wound, the DTO clarified that the fares charged by the taxi drivers should be as per Government rates – a rule openly violated by the cabbies who fix their own rates and abuse helpless passengers – locals and tourists alike – when they complain of the high fares or bargain for lower fares.
The DTO further added that as per rules, a taxi driver is expected to maintain discipline and good conduct towards passengers, but such things are hardly noticeable among the cabbies, many of whom are found under the influence of liquor, dressed inappropriately or found smoking while driving the vehicles.
