Talking to reporters, SSMP president Samuel Biam said that on several occasions they have received complaints from the public accusing local taxis and STPS buses of charging extra even if they ferry full capacity by blaming the high fuel costs.

“We understand that local taxi drivers need to earn since the price of fuel is high but it is not right to charge extra from passengers especially from those who have to travel from place to place for daily wages,” said Biam.

Biam said that the taxi fare from Motphran till Mawlai Pump before the pandemic was Rs 20 but now it is Rs 30 for ferrying four passengers and in the evening taxi drivers take advantage of the situation by charging Rs 30 even when they ferry full capacity.

He added that many women from Mawlai and Mawiong have a complaint that there are occasions when they cannot travel to their workplace because they cannot afford taxi fare.

On the assurance by the administration, Biam informed that the former informed the delegation that till date taxis are allowed to ply on the odd event system and this has affected their earning which in turn led to an increase in taxi fares.

He added that the DC has assured them that the matter is under process to discontinue the odd-even system and she will also remind the concerned department to speed up the matter.

On the other hand, the president of SSMP has sought intervention from the administration on the issue that STPS buses are charging extra from the public.