Govt to set up committee to address taxi-operators' problems

Amid pressure from the unions, West Bengal transport department has decided to set up a committee to look into the problems of the taxi operators, including there long-standing demand for hike in fare.

Announcing the government decision, state transport minister Madan Mitra said, “Apart from fare hike proposal, the committee will also make suggestion to resolve the issues like alleged harassment by the police.”

The committee is likely to comprise officials from the state transport department, police, public vehicles department and representatives from taxi operators. However, Mitra had added that government is opposed to the idea of any hike in taxi fare.

 

The transport department had decided to charge 15 per cent more during night (10.30 pm to 4.30 am). However, taxi unions have urged instead of charging the night fares between 10.30 pm to 4.30 am, the fares be charged between 9 pm to 6 am Also, unions have urged the state transport department to hike the night fares of taxis by 30 per cent instead of 15 per cent.

Given the recent a fuel price hike, operators are now demanding a complete restructuring of the taxi fares in the city.