CSWO raises concern over taxi refusals, high fare

SHILLONG: The Civil Society Women Organisation (CSWO) has raised concern over transport problem in the city and ill-behaved taxi drivers.
In a press statement, CSWO said it has come to its notice that many taxis and Maxi cabs plying in the city refuse passengers and insist on reserving the vehicles. The vehicles are difficult to get especially from places like Iewduh, Motphran and Khyndailad.
“This causes inconvenience to the public, especially women and children… There are also drivers who were charging Rs 250 to book a taxi from Motphran to Polo which is clear extortion,” the statement said.
It also pointed out that some drivers do not have the courtesy to reply to passengers.
Besides, taxis often park on double lines in search of booking when passengers are hassled for a vehicle.
The government gives permits to public transport to help commuters and “if those issued permits do not serve the public”, the Transport Department should take away their permits and give them to those who will serve the public.
It was also informed that there are certain Maxi cabs which only take passengers in the evening to Mawpat but do not take passengers on the way or to adjacent areas. The Maxi cabs are financed by the government under JNNURM. CSWO said it has received complaints from many women that they were refused on the route from Motphran to Lumshyiap area.
CSWO urged the government to ensure smooth operation of public transport. It also urged passengers to take down numbers of the vehicles refusing to commute them or overcharging and report to the government or can hand over the vehicle number along with the date and the place of harassment so that the government can take action.