SHILLONG: Taking note of the rising complaints against local taxis plying in the city, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) is mulling stringent action against erring cabbies.
Sources said that the RTA may suspend the permit of any local taxi for a month or more if a complaint is made against it by the passenger.
However, sources added that a final decision in this regard will be taken when the RTA meets for a last round of discussion later this year. “A final decision will be taken after consultations with other members of the RTA,” sources said.
Meanwhile, taking cognizance of the complaints that a number of local taxis are refusing to ferry passengers within the city, the Shillong police have urged aggrieved passengers to call the Police Control Room at 0364-2226042/0364-2222277 to ensure action is taken against the cabbies.
‘Various factors to be considered before issuing new permits’
Meanwhile, RTA chairman PS Dkhar has said that the transport authority will look into various factors including traffic flow before taking any call on starting issuing new permits for local taxis.
According to Dkhar, the RTA will also have to regulate the flow of taxis since at times cabs ply in one route while others remain dry leading to harassment of passengers. “Only after looking at all aspects we can ascertain how many permits will have to be issued,” he said.
Issuing new permits for local taxis would also provide employment opportunities to unemployed youths of the city.
