Leaders of the city and suburban taxi drivers’ association on Thursday met East Khasi Hills District Transport Officer (DTO) R. Hinge to seek a crackdown on illegal “offline” bike taxi services operating in Shillong. The delegation raised concerns over the increasing number of two-wheelers being used commercially without authorization, allegedly under the Rapido banner. Association president Kmenlang Khonglah told reporters that these unauthorized operators are setting up stands at various locations, adversely affecting the livelihoods of local taxi drivers.
Khonglah stated that while the association understands the challenges faced by the public and unemployed youth, commercial bike services must operate within the law. The association noted that previous enforcement drives and fines imposed by the DTO’s office were short-lived. When questioned about the halt in these drives, officials reportedly cited a shortage of manpower. In response, the association urged the department to recruit additional staff to ensure sustained enforcement and check the illegal operation of bike taxis in the city.