As thousands gather for the ongoing Jabzhi Dhoechog in Thimphu, an event meant to be a peaceful religious gathering has turned into a source of frustration for some taxi drivers and commuters. Some taxi drivers claim they were left uninformed about a card system required to transport passengers to and from designated locations, leaving them without work.
These taxi drivers have come to the Bhutan Taxi Association (BTA) office, frustrated and confused.
They claim they were not informed about the new card system introduced for the ongoing Jabzhi Dhoechog event.
The cards, issued to selected taxis, allow them to ferry devotees to and from Kuenselphodrang.
Initially, the request was only made for 70 taxis. However, later the number was increased to around 150.
Some drivers allege that the card distribution lacked fairness and transparency.
Sonam Tenzin, a taxi driver said, “When we first heard about it, the information only mentioned the designated location and fare. There was no mention of the card. Without the card, not just us, but even passengers end up paying up to Nu 200 extra. For instance, yesterday, when I was taking three elderly passengers from Motithang to their designated location, they had to pay an additional Nu 120 on top of the local fare. If every taxi were allowed to operate without the card, the total fare would only have been Nu 300.”
Sonam Phuntsho, another taxi driver said, “When we try to drop off passengers, traffic police stop us and don’t allow us to operate without the card. Meanwhile, at Buddha Point, people struggle to find taxis. If we raise the issue with the BCTA, they say it’s the association’s responsibility, and when we approach the association, they point to limits set by the traffic police.”
“If someone is travelling from Olakha to Kuenselphodrang, taxis are required to have a card. But we were never informed about this. Some drivers have cards—I don’t know where they got them from. The requirement was never clearly communicated, and I’m unsure whether the oversight is from the BCTA or the BTA. We simply were not informed,” said Dawa Tshering, also a taxi driver.
The Bhutan Taxi Association’s executive director clarified that the card was distributed on first come first-served basis following a coordination meeting to arrange transportation for the Global Peace Prayer Festival.
“It was discussed that more cards will be issued if the need arises. My only concern is, if we give cards to everyone, we would not be able to provide efficient service to the public because there will be a traffic jam,” said Tshering Penjor, the executive director of the Bhutan Taxi Association.
He also clarified that those drivers who received the cards are restricted from taking local passengers, except within the routes they are officially authorised for. Meanwhile, five drivers had their documents seized today for operating beyond their assigned routes.
The Executive Director of the Bhutan Taxi Association acknowledged that they could not announce it on social media as the coordination meeting happened last minute, adding that they could not air it on mainstream media either due to the lack of budget. However, he said, it was shared in all group chats on messaging apps.
Meanwhile, commuters are also frustrated with the limited number of public transportation.
Gembo, a devotee from Punakha, said, “When we hired taxis directly to Kala Bazaar, the taxis were fined and their documents were seized. We are all citizens of one country. Not letting private vehicles is okay, but taxis should be allowed to operate freely for the convenience of the people.”
The issue is expected to ease, as more than 600 taxis have been issued cards as of today.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Phub Gyem
