SHILLONG, Jan 19: Owing to the indefinite restriction — odd-even rule — on plying of local taxis and tourist vehicles in Shillong, rates have been hiked of late. However, according to a source, the state government is likely to take a call on the matter; whether or not in the favour of the cabbies, only time will tell.
It may be mentioned that the state government has done away with odd-even rule for two-wheelers.
The local taxi and tourist drivers, who have apparently been faring badly with the restrictions, have upped the rates to cope with the cap on the number of passengers a driver can ferry across the town.
A source from the Transport department said that the government will soon take a call on the matter after undertaking a detailed review of the situation and in consideration of other factors as well.
Many drivers have complained that the odd-even restriction has led to severe hardships during the pandemic, while also bemoaning the skyrocketing of petrol and diesel prices.
Moreover, the government has also received requests from several stakeholders to do away with the odd-even restriction for cabs and tourist vehicles.
Also, the SPTS buses have been missing from city roads as the drivers and conductors of the buses have demanded of the government to relax the protocols.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner had earlier said that the restrictions will be assessed and taken into account.
The district administration has also deputed a magistrate to look into the issues of the drivers, who will soon submit the report to the DC.
