SHILLONG: Unable to tame the errant taxi drivers, the government has directed the Transport department to fall back on the Dorbar Shnong in spreading awareness in their respective localities about the taxis to charge fair rates from the commuters.
The directive came from the State Planning Board after it held a meeting on Friday to discuss complaints of overcharging by local cabbies in the city.
Chairman of the State Planning Board, Lambor Malngiang, who convened the meeting, said “we could see both the drivers and passengers are in a confused situation”.
Pointing out that a notification was issued in January of revised rates according to which Rs 26 is charged for the first kilometre and Rs 13 every subsequent kilometre, Lambor said the department had not been in a position to provide awareness on the revised fares due to the COVID-19 situation and that has created the confusion.
The State Planning Board chairman said that he was assured by the department that on Saturday itself they will send clear notification to inform the public and the drivers of the actual fares.
Suggesting that the Dorbar can also conduct awareness programmes in their respective localities and highlight the loopholes, Lambor said, “We will wait and see the outcome of the awareness programme”.
Complaint numbers
Meanwhile, the Secretary, Transport department, in the wake of the complaints regarding overcharging of taxi fares, warned the cabbies that such untoward activities will invite penalty as per law.
The department has asked the people to report the complaints to the respective transport officers of the districts by calling their mobile numbers — 9774006050 (Jowai), 8787561584 (East Khasi Hills), 8974424800 (West Khasi Hills), 7005209232 (East Garo Hills), 7005531765 (West Garo Hills), 7005531765 (South Garo Hills), 8132005976 (Ri Bhoi), 8794894079 (East Jaintia Hills), 7005874963 (South West Khasi Hills), 9774273179 (North Garo Hills) and 8787633503 (South West Garo Hills).
