October 07: Bhutanese taxi divers in Phuentsholing are complaining that they are losing business to taxi drivers from across the border. The main problem they say is the sitting capacity.

The Road Safety and Transport Authority (RSTA) does not allow the popular Maruti vans operating as taxis to carry more than four passengers, one in the front and three in the back.

But similar taxis from across the border carry seven passengers with two extra seats installed face to face at the rear. The extra sitting capacity means, they charge lower fare.

Taxi drivers say this is not fair and insist that even taxis from across the border should follow the RSTA rule while operating within Bhutan.

RSTA officials say the concern is genuine and they will appraise the head office.

Taxi drivers in Phuentsholing are also not happy with the decision restricting the movement of vehicles except passenger transport buses, ambulance and vehicles carrying VIPs between Thimphu and Phuentsholing on Mondays and Tuesdays.

They claim that taxis carry passengers just like public transport bus and they should also be allowed to ply on Mondays and Tuesdays. The restriction was imposed to ensure that the road widening work progresses uninterrupted.

The Regional Transport Officer of RSTA said it has no comments on this.