SHILLONG: Entering a new domain to remain in competition, the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) has launched its Tata Sumo service with a fleet of five vehicles on the Shillong-Guwahati route.
“We are going to launch our new transport service from Wednesday. We are exploring this new venture to remain competitive,” MTC Deputy Manager (Operations) A. Pariat said on Tuesday.
“People do not have time to wait for the buses to fill up so they are opting for smaller vehicles,” Pariat added.
He informed that MTC will start with five vehicles and another five Sumos would be launched shortly.
The rate per passenger has been fixed at Rs.180, Pariat said, adding, “We are charging Rs. 10 more than the tourist sumos since our vehicles will be more comfortable with AC facilities. Also, our vehicles will be carrying only seven passengers unlike the tourist sumos which have a capacity of 10 passengers.”
However, the MTC decision to operate the sumo service has been opposed by the Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM) “It is totally unjustified for the MTC to operate small vehicles. The Corporation is expected to run the bus service. With this new venture, MTC revenue will drastically fall,” HANM stated in a representation submitted to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Tuesday.
