The fare chart for long routes is likely to be revised very soon. The approval for the same has already been accorded and it is in the process of being notified. Secretary, State Transport Authority, Mr TT Sherpa informed that the department is trying to bring out the notification as soon as possible and he also informed that the revision was necessary because of the recent hike in the price of fuel. However it was also necessary as the department was receiving a lot of grievances from the public because of the abnormal hike in the fares charged by the taxi drivers during these Dussera holidays.

It was also informed that on 26th of October the StateTtransport Authority is holding a coordination meeting with the department of Tourism, TAAS, all district police stations and check posts inclusive and the Senior Road Transport Officers (RTOs) of the department to discuss this issue in a more comprehensive manner and to come out with a long lasting solution. Adding further Mr. Sherpa said that Tourism Department is doing its bit by trying to control this hike but no department can curb this completely and all the stakeholders will have to join hands to combat it, he further added.

When inquired about the action that the department is initiating against the people who have been indulging in such acts he said that the because of less manpower the department is unable to patrol the routes but he also added that whenever any complaint is received a strict action is taken against the defaulters. Trying to explain the hike in taxi fare during this Dassain holidays he said that it was because of the unavailability of vehicles during this time of the year as most of the drivers are out of the station.

President of Travel Agent’s Association of Sikkim (TAAS) Mr. Lukendra Rasaily while speaking on the issue said that this initiative that is being taken by STA was essential. He further added that the tourists visiting from outside the state come with a certain budget and such unforeseen hike in the price of transportation could have an adverse effect on their tour programme which will further create problems for them. The step will help the locals as well, he concluded.

Courtesy: Sikkim Mail

 

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