By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 26: A group of bike taxi riders on Tuesday met Transport department officials, seeking clarification after the department said that no bike taxi aggregator would be allowed to operate in Meghalaya without obtaining the necessary government approvals.
The meeting with the Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) at the District Transport Office (DTO) in Lower Lachumiere was held amid growing uncertainty over the future of app-based bike taxi services in the state following the government’s warning against unauthorised operations.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, one of the riders said they approached transport officials to understand the legal requirements and the way forward for those engaged in online bike taxi services. He said the riders had sought direct permits from the DTO but were informed that such a decision would have to be taken at the government level. The rider said they would now discuss among themselves and with conventional offline bike taxi operators before taking any further decision.
“We need to sit together and resolve the confusion first. We also have to meet the offline operators because both sides need to reach a common understanding. Once we decide, we will inform the media,” he said.
He maintained that the riders have been providing a useful service to commuters, particularly at a time when traffic congestion in Shillong remains a major concern.
The riders also raised concerns over deductions made by the app-based aggregators, stating that they have been paying charges to the platform but were informed by the MVI that the state government does not receive any share from these collections.
The rider said the clarification from the transport official satisfied them for now, and they would deliberate on the next course of action before resuming services.
He also dismissed allegations that bike taxi services compromise passenger safety, arguing that there have been no reported fatalities involving Rapido passengers.
The development follows a recent meeting between city and suburban taxi driver associations and East Khasi Hills District Transport Officer R. Hinge, during which the associations demanded strict action against what they termed illegal “offline” bike taxi services operating in Shillong.
Responding to the concerns, Transport Department Commissioner and Secretary Sanjay Goyal said the department has already initiated action against unauthorised operators, including the closure of their offices.
“Companies must fulfil all legal requirements before operating. Clear instructions have been issued to act against any illegal bike operations,” he said.
He also pointed out that the government has notified the Bike Aggregator Rules and Bike Rental Rules to regulate the sector and urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the framework.
Taxi operators have been expressing concern over the increasing use of two-wheelers for commercial passenger transport without proper authorisation, particularly those allegedly operating under the Rapido banner.
