By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The much-hyped woman-only taxi, it seems, has no takers.
Months after introducing the taxis with distinguished colour exclusively for the women passengers, only two-three such taxis are seen operating in the city.
The Government’s initial guideline that such taxis have to be driven by women only also has been violated as male drivers are seen carrying woman passengers in the white colour taxis with green and pink stripes.
The State Government announced its plan to launch the woman-only taxis in the city and its adjoining areas last year, but going by the number of such taxis so far, the idea has turned out to be a futile one.
DTO of East Khasi Hills, P Rynjah, admitted futility of the plan on Monday saying, there are only few takers of the woman taxis in the State. He said only two-three woman-only cabbies are operating in the city.
The Government introduced the woman-only taxis keeping in mind the safety and security of women passengers who are allegedly often subjected to harassment in local taxis.
The Government had allotted 200 permits – 100 for the Shillong region and another 100 for rural areas – for taxis to be driven by women only, but the much-publicised plan has not become a reality, mainly due to lack of public response.
The authorities had even specified that pink-white cabbies would ply in urban areas while green-white taxis would cater to the woman passengers of the rural areas.
Reacting to a query that such taxis, though few, are seen being driven by male drivers, the DTO said he has not received any such report.
