DA cautions taxi agents

ITANAGAR, Jul 20: The Shajee Youth Club (SYC), Manigong has called upon the West Siang district administration for immediate fixation of reasonable rate of Maxi Cab (Tata Sumo) plying from Aalo to Lungte, Karo, Sheet, Karle and Manigong under Pidi and Manigong circle respectively.

In a representation submitted to the West Siang deputy commissioner on Friday, the SYC lamented that thousands of poor people from Pidi and Manigong circle under Mechukha sub-division are facing far reaching hardships due to unreasonable and exorbitant hike in the fare of Maxi Cab (Tata Sumo) plying in the said route.

Reportedly, the All West Siang District Maxi Cab Association had recently hiked the fare of Maxi Cab playing in various parts of district.

Claiming that the Sumo counters are unreasonably extracting Rs 800/- per passenger for just 198 km from Aalo to Manigong and vice-versa, the Club alleged that the Maxi Cab Association is running a monopoly rate as per their whims and fancy thereby causing lots of problems for the poor commuters.

The Sumo fare fixed by the district administration for Aalo to Manigong is reportedly Rs 440, but the Maxi Cab Association always undermines the administrative order and fixes different rates from time to time.

Lamenting that the current rate is three times higher that the government approved rate under Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Department, the Club fervently appealed the district administration to look into the matter and regulate the Sumo fares.

The Club also appealed the administration and authorities of state transport to arrange APSTS Sumo services from Aalo to Manigong for the greater interest of local people of two circles.

Meanwhile, following the request letter from Shajee Youth Club for regulation of Maxi Cab fares, the West Siang deputy commissioner through an executive order directed the owners/agents of Tata Sumos plying from Aalo to Manigong/Mechukha to refrain from collecting unauthorized exorbitant fare from passengers.

The DC further warned that failing to comply with the order would see the plying permit and agent license be cancelled under Section 86 and Section 93 of the MV Act, 1988 and other rules.

Increase/hike of fare of public transport system without the approval of district administration is violation of law and liable to penalty and power to fix or increase the fare of any passenger or good vehicle lies only with the district administration, the DA’s executive order read.