SHILLONG, SEP 27: The ‘Ride to Served’ today met Commissioner of Transport government of Meghalaya David D Marak to demand for individual permits to operate as taxis in Shillong.
This came after the District Transport Office (DTO) on 26 September 2024, had started issuing challan with Rs 10,000 fine to all two wheelers who operate as taxis without permit in Shillong.
Speaking to media persons, Convener of ‘Ride to Served’, Nongkynrih said that since 2019, many youths who operate two wheelers as taxis had demanded from the state government to issue private permits but till date there has been no response.
Nonkynrih said that due to the lack of seriousness from the state government, especially from the transport department, in issuing private permits has compelled the youths to operate as taxis without permits.
“The state is facing an unemployment crisis which compels us to operate as two wheelers taxis to provide for our respective families. The state government instead of guiding us to stand up on our feet is not charging us with Rs 10,000 as a fine which is a huge sum for us to pay to the DTO” said Nongkynrih.
Nongkynrih said that post covid, the youths had stressed upon the transport department to come out with Mobile Application to process permits for two wheelers but till date the department has not even initiated the process.
When asked Nongkynrih said that the Commissioner has assured the agitated youths to take up the matter with the minister in-charge of transports in the coming days.