This means that a petrol taxi can charge a maximum of Nu 594, if the taxi reserved, for the 54 km journey to Paro.

Given that a maruti van or car taxi can carry a maximum of four passengers, each passenger will have to pay around Nu 148 from Thimphu to Paro. This is Nu 48 more than the existing rate.

The new taxi fares were approved by the ministry of information and communications after the taxi service centre based in Thimphu put up a petition for a revision.

“We’re happy with the increase,” said the managing proponent of taxi service centre, Pema Norbu.

According to the chief engineer in the traffic division of the road safety and transport authority (RSTA), Thinlay Namgay, the revision was done keeping in mind taxi operators and users.

In the petition for the fare revision, taxi drivers had also submitted for a taxi parking in Thimphu, abolishing the taxi meter and allowing pick-ups to be used as taxis.

“Apart from the fare, the other submissions could not be approved but it is under discussion,” said an official from the ministry’s planning and policy division.

However, Thinley Namgay said that abolishing the taxi meter cannot be considered as its introduction was for use in the long run.

Source: http://www.kuenselonline.com