The Bhutan Taxi Association has decided to install closed-circuit television, CCTV cameras in taxis in a couple of months. The decision was made during the two-day awareness programme on traffic regulations yesterday. The CCTV cameras will be installed for the safety of both passengers and drivers.
More than 800 taxi drivers took part in the awareness programme in Thimphu. According to the chairperson of the taxi association, the CCTV cameras will be capable of recording videos in the front, rear, and inside the taxis.
The proposed CCTV cameras will have motion sensors and night vision features.
“We are facing difficulties with funding. We are talking with some organisations we have connections with. We are planning to collect an affordable amount of money from the taxi drivers as well,” said Rinzin Chophel, the Chairperson of the Bhutan Taxi Association.
The chairperson said that depending on the quality of the cameras, the price would be about Nu 30,000 cheaper options are also available at about Nu 15,000.
The chairperson said taxi drivers are willing to pay some amount to cover the cost.
“We discussed collecting Nu 7,000 from the drivers. Especially electric vehicles. We have received complaints about scratched paint and broken parts from the electric vehicle drivers. With the installation of the cameras, this can be monitored. So, all the taxi drivers are willing and are supportive of the amount to be collected,” said Rinzin Chophel, Chairperson of, the Bhutan Taxi Association.
“In circumstances like hit and run, we can identify the culprit. At the moment, especially at night, when we are threatened with weapons or have trouble getting fares from the passengers, such cameras will be very helpful,” said Thinley Dorji, a Taxi driver.
“Some passengers leave their belongings when they exit the taxi. We have no idea to whom it belongs. The next passenger takes the belongings. This can be prevented now. On top of that, being female drivers, we do not know how the passengers entering our vehicles are. Looking at this kind of situation, it will be really helpful,” said Phurpa Dema, another Taxi driver.
The Bhutan Taxi Association procured and tested two such cameras recently. The association plans to install a few more cameras to check how they perform in other districts like Phuentshogling and Trashigang.
After that, the association plans to install cameras in all taxis in the country.
Chenga Dawa
Edited by Sherub Dorji
