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Dimapur, Oct. 5 (EMN): The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of Dimapur had, on September 8, revised fares for taxis and autorickshaws after considering the restrictions on the number of passengers, as per the new standard operating procedures (SOP).
The common people, who form the major portion of the population without their own means of transportation, continue to pay a heavy price, especially in Dimapur.
An autorickshaw driver at Dobinullah junction told Eastern Mirror that only two passengers are allowed to travel according to the new SOP issued by the RTA.
He informed that the rate per passenger from Dobinullah junction to Signal Angami village or Thahekhu village was INR 40; the rate doubles to INR 80 for hire.
Before lockdown, the fare was INR 15 per each of the five passengers. He said that under the current arrangement, the drivers face no difference in their earnings; it’s just that the passengers have to dole out more than double the previous rate.
He said that if authorities permit more passengers, then the rate will automatically reduce. He pointed out that even with two passengers, social distancing measures, in its strictest terms, cannot be enforced in an autorickshaw.
Another driver said that the rates (per passenger) from Dobinullah junction to DC Court, Firing area and Nepali Kashiram area were INR 30, and INR 50 respectively. He informed that the rates, prior to lockdown, were INR 15 to DC Court and INR 20 to Firing area and Nepali Kashiram area.
The hire cost till DC Court is currently INR 70/80 and INR 100 to Firing area and Nepali Kashiram, he informed.
He shared that the number of passengers has reduced these days but the odd-even number traffic system helps them get more commuters.
From Rail Gate to Purana Bazaar, the rate is INR 20 per passenger; which is same as before. But for passengers of Padumpukhuri/2½ mile, the drivers charge INR 40 as they are allowed to carry only four persons.
A driver said that with the improved road conditions these days, they can make four to five trips daily.
As for taxis ferrying passengers between Dimapur and Kohima, one of the drivers informed that they are charging INR 500 per persons as only three passengers are allowed. The previous rate was INR 350.
The driver informed that before lockdown it was very difficult to get even one trip to Kohima but after lockdown, the new SOP guideline and odd-even traffic system have allowed them to get more passengers even though the fare is high.
He informed that on Monday, he was able to make four trips from Dimapur to Kohima.
When enquired at a ticket counter in Dimapur, it was informed that for Maruti Suzuki Eeco and Tata Sumo taxis, five passengers are allowed. For Maruti Alto, the number is limited to three.
At another counter, it was informed that the fare for Dimapur to Mokokchung is INR 1000 per passenger against the previous rate of INR 550. Presently, only five passengers are permitted.
From Dimapur to Longleng, the rate is INR 1500 per passenger; earlier it was INR 700. If they are unable to travel through Assam and take the Kohima road, the passengers have to pay INR 500 more, it was informed.
An official from the Nagaland State Transport (NST) department said that the department was in touch with the high powered committee in Kohima with regard to resumption of NST bus services.
‘There was a discussion even today (October 5),’ the official informed, and expressed hope that the state-owned buses will hit the roads soon and ease the burden of the common people.
At present, private buses are not allowed to operate in the state.