SHILLONG: Non issuance of permits for operating local taxis in the city has led to a steep rise in its price in the “black market.”
Those who want to operate cabs in the city will have to shell out anywhere between Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 1.8 lakh and if this is not enough, the rates, sources say, are expected to rise in the near future.
The issuing of permits for taxis was stopped by the government in order to restrict the number of local taxis plying on the city roads. Unless the road-expansion plans materialize, the government is unlikely to change its mind as far as the issuance of permit is concerned.
Though practical, the stand of the government has curtailed employment opportunities of many a youth who would have otherwise banked on driving as a means of livelihood.
District Transport Officer, HF Khongsit said that it was for the Government to decide the appropriate time to restart issuance of permits.
It is learnt that within the city the Regional Transport Authority is issuing permits only to the physically disabled. However, sources from RTA informed that permits for local taxis are being issued to applicants from rural areas, including those from the outskirts of the city, where public transport system is found wanting.
Sources said that several MLAs and others from the Government have requested the RTA from time to time to issue permits to people. However, sources claim that RTA is unwilling to succumb to such “requests”.
Meanwhile, many drivers feel that taking into account the unemployment rate in the city, permits should be issued to at least those in desperate need of it.
There are around 4000 local taxis operating in the city.
