Members of the Shillong and Khadsawphra Taxi Drivers’ Association on Tuesday morning launched a drive in Rilbong to chase away tourist taxis allegedly operating as local transport vehicles and picking up passengers meant for local taxi operators.
Speaking to reporters, Association President Kmenlang Khonglah said the activities of tourist taxis have severely affected the livelihoods of local drivers operating in areas such as Laitumkhrah, Seven Mile and Upper Shillong, who are also required to pay taxes and other dues.
He stated that, as per existing norms, local taxis should be allowed to operate and earn within a 35-kilometre radius. However, he alleged that several tourist taxis, which are not authorised to provide local passenger services, have been parking in the area and ferrying passengers to destinations such as Upper Shillong, thereby taking away business from local operators.
Khonglah further said the protest and action taken by the association stem from the government’s failure to address long-standing concerns regarding tourist destinations, where local taxi drivers are often deprived of opportunities to transport tourists to various tourist spots across the state.
