Tourist taxis will continue to operate despite the otherwise near-total strike by commercial vehicles in Khasi-Jaiñtia Hills, it was agreed today at a meeting of tourist taxi stakeholders.
The meeting was organised by the Meghalaya State Coordination Committee of Transport Operators, Owners and Drivers Associations and the Meghalaya Peoples’ Labour Union (MPLU).
The tourist taxi associations and organisations were represented by the All Shillong Tourist Taxi Drivers United Organisation. Representatives of the Khasi Hills Tourist Taxi Association, Hynñiewtrep Tourist Taxi Association and Meghalaya Tourist Transporter Association were present.
Ostensibly to relieve the hardships faced by interstate passengers, especially those who have made advanced travel plans, the tourist taxi members decided that their vehicles will ply as normal.
However, with negotiations by commercial vehicle owners and drivers with the government ongoing, the tourist taxi stakeholders have requested that the Meghalaya government negotiate a subsidy to lower the price of fuel (petrol, diesel and cooking gas) with the government of India as Meghalaya is completely landlocked and depends solely on road transport.
“Since this is a vital problem, especially in these times of Covid-19, we request the support of the people of Meghalaya on this demand since all households are affected by rising costs of transportation, essential commodities and cost of living in every aspect,” a release from the MPLU said.
It also requested the Meghalaya government to cut the state’s share of fuel tax to give relief to the people.
