The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxis Association (AKMTTA) today met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to petition him on the livelihood issues faced by tourist taxi owners and drivers.
According to the AKMTTA, commercial vehicles in the state are struggling to make enough money because tourists arriving at the airport, railway stations, and other locations are being transported by vehicles from outside the state.
The association also expressed concern that there is an increasing number of private vehicles transporting tourists from Assam to Meghalaya.
According to the AKMTTA the issue of excessive taxation on commercial vehicles at airports, railway stations, and other locations outside Meghalaya needs to be addressed.
The association also pointed out that there are no parking spaces available for Meghalaya tourist taxis at the airport in Assam or at the railway station in Assam.
“There is a lack of sufficient parking spaces for commercial vehicles registered with the Transport Department of Meghalaya in market areas for passenger convenience, as well as special parking spaces in tourist spots throughout Meghalaya,” the association stated.
The AKMTTA also expressed concern that the government of India’s intention to abolish the “Three State Vehicle Permit” as they cannot sustain this due to the high amount of payment required.
The association also urged the state government to develop a separate Tourist Taxi App that will provide numerous benefits to travelers, tourists, and others.
The AKMTTA also reminded the Chief Minister of their previous communications, requesting the government to implement a policy that ensures the rights of local tourist taxis to ferry tourists to various tourist spots and to restrict vehicles from other States from ferrying tourists to these spots.
It also reminded Sangma that the local tourist taxis have submitted suggestions to the committee constituted by the state government, chaired by the Director of Tourism.
“One of our suggestions is to reintroduce the Reciprocal Transport Agreement signed between Meghalaya and Assam on December 4, 1997, as well as agreements between the State of Sikkim and West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand and others. Copies of these agreements and suggestions are attached with this letter,” the AKMTTA stated.
“As local tourist taxi drivers play an integral role in Meghalaya Tourism by ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience for tourists and providing them with essential information about the places they visit. We urge the government to expedite the implementation of a policy that would greatly benefit the people of the state,” the AKMTTA stated.
