June 9: Taxi operators called on the Prime Minister Lyonchen Jigmi Y. Thinley on Saturday, June 7 to discuss various issues concerning their business. There were more than 20 representatives. Some had come from as far as Gelephu.

Taxi operators raised various issues concerning their business. They said there is a need to look into the carrying capacity put in place by the government. They said taxis are not allowed to carry the full passenger capacity specified by the manufacturers.

They requested the government to allow them to use Maruti vans as taxis. They said though Maruti van is not considered safe to be used as taxi, it is being used as private passenger vehicles. They said Maruti vans are convenient both for carrying people and luggage.

The Prime Minister Lyonchen Jigmi Thinley said there is a difference between the right of private individuals and responsibility of ensuring the safety of the passengers. He said taxis are used by the public and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety of the public. He said the issue would be discussed with the concerned ministry.

Taxi operators requested for more taxi stands in the capital city.

They said vehicles are allowed to be used as taxis only for eight years from the manufacturing year and requested the government to increase it to 10 years.

They proposed that the maximum age limit for taxi drivers be increased from the existing 60 to 65 years. On this the Prime Minister said the issues would be looked into.

The taxi operators complained about private vehicles ferrying passengers and civil servants operating taxis after office hours. These, they said, are hampering the business of licensed operators. To this the Prime Minister said the issue would be put up to the RCSC to find out if civil servants are allowed do part time job.

The operators also requested the Prime Minister to look into the problem of taxis being denied entry into many places like government office premises. The Prime Minister said all the issues raised by the operators will be discussed with concerned ministries and agencies.