Most of the Taxi Drivers feel the new Road Safety and Transport Authority’s rules should be uniform. The new rules will not allow Taxis, registered in other dzongkhags, to operate local in Thimphu and Phuentshogling. The rules, which are going to be implemented from next month, also say the ones registered in Phuentshogling cannot operate local in Thimphu and vice-versa.
“There is no equity and justice, when Taxi Operators from Thimphu and Phuentshogling can operate in other places while others Taxis are not permitted to operate in these two cities,” said a Taxi Driver, Nidup Dorji. He said reducing the number of taxis operating in these cities is not going to solve the congestion problem.
He said it is the lifting the ban on import of cars is what is causing congestion.
Another Taxi Driver, Phurba said the new rules will affect the bond that exists among them and create animosity.
All taxis are required to have the dzongkhag’s name; they are registered in, prominently on the flanks of their cabs.
They will also be issued Taxi Operating Permit, without which, they will not be allowed to drive taxi abound.
“…We wanted Taxi from other places not to come to Thimphu and Phuentshogling since these two places are already congested,” said RSTA’s Director General, Lham Dorji.
