Stand against ‘overcharging by cabbies’
SHILLONG: Taking strong cognizance of the trend of over charging by local cabbies, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Sanjay Goyal has directed the District Transport Office (DTO) to display the taxi fares in hoardings across the city.
Speaking to reporters here, Goyal, who also heads the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), said that he has already written to the department to make public through hoardings, the actual taxi fares to curb the menace of overcharging by cabbies.
The local taxi fares were last revised in 2011 but cabbies often quote their “own rates” thus leaving the passengers in a state of confusion and helplessness.
The DC informed that the issue was also discussed during a meeting with the taxi association which was informed of the frequent complaints made by people.
Goyal also felt that the local taxi association needs to sensitize the cabbies on several aspects.
“We have impressed upon the taxi association that the drivers should dress and behave properly,” the DC said.
Goyal also informed that the RTA would look into the matter of reviewing the taxi fares in view of the floating prices of diesel and petrol.
Though the State Government has launched buses and maxi taxis as means of public transport, a major chunk of the people still solely depend on local taxis for commuting.
“The local taxis are also accused of charging a minimum of Rs 10 for any distance citing shortage of change as one of the main reasons for their inability to pay back,” observed a commuter.