After much row over the truck parking fees, truckers and Phuentshogling Thromde have finally come to an agreement. It has been agreed at Nu.80 for a 24 hours parking and Nu.15 for two hours or less. This decision comes after about a month since the issue first surfaced.
The Thromde had initially decided the rates at Nu.265 for 24 hours and Nu.25 for two hours or less. However, since the rates were fixed without any consultation with the truck owners and drivers, they refused to comply.
Later, after the truckers filed a written petition, the rates were brought down to Nu.150 for 24 hours. The rate was still unreasonable for the truckers to bear and they filed another petition letter on June 21. After putting the issue through the Thromde Tshogde recently, the rates were decided at Nu.80 for 24 hours.
Thromde office said the rates were revised after considering the truckers’ grievances. They however added that with the new rates, the operation and maintenance cost of the parking spaces are not financially sustainable.
Meanwhile, business communities and corporate agencies have also requested the Thromde to bring down the prepaid parking rates from Nu.3,000 per month to Nu.1,250. The office is yet to receive the rates from the parking operator before further discussions with the stakeholders.