By Toki Blah
As this is being written, Meghalaya is facing a crisis relating to what can be called a revolt by its Tourist Taxi Association called the AKMTTA. This body is basically calling for Government intervention to ban outside tourist vehicles from conveying passengers right up to tourist destination spots of Meghalaya, which incidentally are usually located in the interior. The AKMTTA stand is that unless their grievances are addressed, their livelihoods (bread and butter issues) will suffer, does seem genuine, but one is at a loss how our State Government can come up with any restrictions on vehicles with an All India Tourist Permit, as the permit is issued under Section 88(9) of the Motor Vehicles Act which is a Central Act. No one disputes that our cabbies need a helping hand. Question is how and in what way? A closer look at the problem will show that its doubtful whether challenging a Central Act or challenging the provisions of Art 19 of the Constitution can bring about a just and sustainable solution. A political row and standoff between Assam and Meghalaya is the last thing we need and will serve no one’s interest but only hurt Meghalaya’s and its budding tourism industry’s own interests. So what do we do?
Lets first realistically accept that our tourist cabbies operate at a distinct disadvantage vis a vis their Assam counterparts. Tourists arrive at Guwahati which is well connected by road, rail and air to the rest of the country, amenities Meghalaya does not have. Its but natural for tourists to then board Assam tourist cabs for their onward journey to their destinations in Meghalaya. Fact is Meghalaya tourist cabbies recognize and accept this fact. Their grouse arises however from the fact that they don’t see their own equity in such a deal and they consider it unfair for others to hog the whole economic benefits from it. So how can they be helped? There is a way out which is non- confrontational but which will call for three critical components. (a) The willingness to work together ( Public and Government) towards a common achievable goal and acceptance that the solution may require sacrifices and time. (b) the political vision and will to make it happen (c) the readiness of the AKMTTA to make sacrifices, invest and accept the changes being proposed. The writer however sincerely believes that if these three above components can happen, Meghalaya will enjoy a profitable and sustainable tourist transport system. So let’s see what can be done
* 99.5% of Meghalaya’s tourist spots are located in the interior and rural areas, a sector that is ecologically fragile, environmentally vulnerable and can only be approached by road. The last thing such an environment needs is carbon monoxide emissions from carbon fueled vehicles.
* The Deptt of Environment and Forests of Meghalaya takes cognizance of this fact and declares that the plying of petrol and diesel vehicles in these environmentally susceptible areas should be strictly regulated. (SC has upheld wide powers of States/UTs to impose restrictions on vehicles for environmental reasons (e.g., MC Mehta v. Union of India on Delhi pollution; State of Tamil Nadu v. ITC Ltd).
* The Transport Department immediately takes note of the views of the Environment and Forest Ministry and takes immediate steps to enforce its Meghalaya Electric Vehicle Policy of 2021, especially in relation to the plying of CO2 emitting commercial vehicles in such popular tourism but ecologically sensitive areas of the state. Some amendments of the Policy will be necessary here and there.
* The main amendments shall apply to Government subsidies towards the purchase of EVs / Hybrid model 4 wheelers in accordance to their KWH capacity. These subsidies need to be substantially increased, especially for commercial vehicles, plying for the development of tourism. All help and assistance for conversion to EV/Hybrid models must be encouraged by the Govt with AKMTTA backing.
* Certification of Environmental Clearance for such vehicles will lie only with the Meghalaya Pollution Control Board.
* Perhaps the Tourism Department, because of the direct impact of such interventions on its stakeholders, should step in as the coordinating Department to ensure that all the above actions of different Departments occur simultaneously and smoothly so as to speed up movement of files. We have a new Tourism Minister . It is hoped he sees this crisis as an opportunity to usher in better quality , high end model of tourism into the state. We have had enough of those crass, uncivilised, non-spending type of tourists who come in hordes to dirty and litter our beautiful state with no benefit to the industry or the state.
So what happens if the above takes place? Only environmentally certified EV/Hybrid vehicles,
and that too only by the MSPCB can afford to ply in our rural tourist spots. Outside tourist vehicles, not possessing such environmental certificates, entering Meghalaya will have to disembark their passengers at pre-designated points from where the tourists, if they wish, can further proceed in certified Meghalaya tourist EV/Hybrid vehicles. Meghalaya is only trying to protect its ecologically sensitive tourist spots. No one is seeking a confrontation with outside tourist vehicles but if they lack the necessary environmental certification, then it’s their bad luck. It’s doubtful if outside tourist vehicles are EV/Hybrid capacitated. We win because we are technically superior. Who can challenge that?
The above has simply addressed the technical, environmental and somewhat economic advantages we should have over others. However the social aspects involved are as important, if not more so, if we seek for the introduction of a viable and sustainable Tourist Transport system. AKMTTA must turn professional and tourist taxi drivers must realize that they live in a competitive world where they will have to struggle to survive. AKMTTA members must show they are the best in the business. So I would request the AKMTTA to kindly keep in mind the following universal etiquette expected from tourist cabs and if needed ask the Tourism Department to provide the necessary training and guidance for them to improve.
* Be always professional and courteous to passengers. Greet passengers politely, use a friendly but respectful tone. Dress neatly; a clean, tidy appearance builds trust; a Hip Hop attire does not help. Maintain a pleasant attitude even during stressful situations. Learn how to say “Hello”, “ Thank You” and “Have a nice day ”. Remember the Khasi value system “Da ka Akor ka Burom”.
* Safety of passengers and vehicles must always come first. Keep the vehicle roadworthy: brakes, tires, lights, seat belts. Drive at safe speeds. Never use a phone while driving. Passengers get nervous, especially on our narrow steep hill roads, if they don’t see both hands on the steering wheel. Drivers should use earphones if it is really necessary to speak on the phone and avoid risky overtaking or harsh braking.
* Being knowledgeable, well versed and updated about local routes, landmarks and weather issues is an advantage of local drivers, hence they should suggest scenic routes or interesting stops and be knowledgeable about them. I remember what a friend travelling to Shillong for the first time told me. He was so impressed with the Umiam lake that he asked the cab driver to stop. He asked him the name of the place to which the idiot replied “Damsite.” The interest of the passenger died then and there with this answer. It is only when he reached Shillong and was informed that the place was actually called Umiam or “The crying waters” that his interest was revived about the name, the history, the romance, the culture etc behind such a name. Tourists are usually curious about the cultural features of a place. My point is, knowledge about places of tourist interest adds to customer’s satisfaction.
* Provide local guidance to passengers. Tourists love to share verified information about local attractions, restaurants, or shopping spots. Tourist drivers should be prepared but please respect passengers’ privacy if they don’t seem interested in conversation. Recommend only trustworthy services (guides, restaurants, shops) without forcing choices.
* Cleanliness and comfort of travel is important to passengers; an issue that most cab drivers tend to forget. Washing the cab regularly (inside and out) ensuring a fresh, pleasant smell inside is rewarding. There’s nothing more revolting than to enter a car with the driver’s night hangover stink in it (sma jawa) attacking our nostrils. Air-conditioning/heating should be in good condition and other accessories include drinking water, tissues, the day’s newspaper or umbrellas (optional but appreciated). Handing over a clean and tastefully designed calling card at the end of a satisfying journey will enable the passenger to remember the driver next time he revisits.
* Drivers should be modern, up-to-date and show that they are civic minded and responsible. They should avoid littering and encourage passengers to do the same. In all destinations they should support local eco-tourism practices where possible. Like Rapido, two wheelers keep a reliable app where potential passengers can contact or book your services in future.
The whole point why I am focusing on social issues of etiquette and manners is that tourists love being treated with courtesy by well behaved people. But it’s also a competitive world out there. So drivers have to make themselves the best in the market so that tourists favour them. Its simple human nature. Passengers cannot be treated like sacks of potatoes, a stupid mannerism of Shillong shared taxis. The idea is to make travelling in Meghalaya a pleasure with memories to carry. Let’s make Meghalaya a destination for people to want to return.
