SHILLONG, June 3: In an era where cities boast of sophisticated and streamlined transportation systems, Meghalaya’s capital city is still found wanting in providing hassle-free public transport to its inhabitants.
Residents of Shillong have been largely dependent on the iconic black-and-yellow taxis to travel around the city.
A decade ago, the government had launched several buses under the brand name ‘Shillong Public Transport System’, which have along the years come to be known as SPTS buses.
Fast forward to 2023 and most of these SPTS buses and maxi cabs remain out of scene. Some of them that ply on city roads cater to passengers on mostly one route.
Unlike Guwahati, where the city buses cover major parts of the city, the SPTS buses here focus mostly on Mawblei-Laitumkhrah-Police Bazar-Motphran route, leaving other routes largely uncovered.
While people book their rides using mobile apps, an efficient and streamlined public transport system is yet to take shape in Meghalaya.
Public transport through service-hailing like Ola, Uber and other mobile-based ride booking applications is still a far cry in Shillong even though such initiatives are being implemented in letter and spirit in many states including neighbouring Guwahati.
Several states have set up different mediums of public transport ranging from auto-rickshaws, buses, local trains to metros as well as app-based taxi services. Shillong, however, has only Rapido bike service as of now.
Besides arguably being outdated, the public transport in Shillong is exorbitant, many say.
The fare per passenger to travel to Police Bazar from Laitkor is Rs 80, a local cabbie said. The charge is Rs 50 per passenger from Madanrting to Police Bazar, he added.
The fare per passenger to travel to Police Bazar from Laitumkhrah is Rs 30.
In addition, many a time, the sitting norms are also flouted by cabbies, especially in the evening when as many as six passengers board a local taxi.
