Govt to urge hoteliers, tour operators to use local tourist taxis
Shillong, Dec 17: The state government has made it clear that movement of outside tourist taxis in Meghalaya cannot be restricted, as demanded by some local taxi operators.
Citing legal complications in taking any such action, the government has instead offered to convene a meeting with hoteliers, resort owners, and tour operators to promote the use of local tourist taxis.
This was decided in a meeting chaired by the deputy chief minister in-charge transport Sniawbhalang Dhar with a delegation of the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) on Tuesday.
“We had a very fruitful meeting, a very positive one,” Dhar said after the meeting.
On the AKMTTA’s demand for restricting outside tourist taxis, Dhar said, “It is not legal to stop outside vehicles from coming to the state… they understood it.”
He mentioned that the government had sought the views of Advocate General (AG) on the matter before taking the decision.
Meanwhile, the government has decided to request hoteliers and tour operators to engage local tourist taxis.
“We will call owners of hotels, resorts, and tour operators and request them to utilise the service of local tourist taxis,” Dhar said.
A meeting will be held with the taxi association at the level of transport and tourism officers, he added.
Emphasising the need for local taxi operators to maintain professional conduct, he said, “We request the local tourist taxis that their vehicles should be fit, neat, and clean… drivers should be disciplined, so that visitors coming to Meghalaya are happy with their services.”
Further discussions are planned to explore ways to promote Meghalaya’s tourism industry, including the development of a new app to showcase the state’s attractions and services.
