Meghalaya Taxi Association to Review New Driver ID Rules Following Government Discussions

The East Khasi Hills Taxi Welfare Association (EKHTWA) has stated that it will announce its official position on the Meghalaya government's newly proposed safety regulations for commercial vehicles only after holding discussions with the relevant government authorities. The association is awaiting a meeting with the state administration, as indicated, and plans to thoroughly deliberate before making any declaration, according to EKHTWA president Wandonbok Jyrwa.

The Meghalaya government has recently introduced a new directive aimed at strengthening passenger safety, particularly for women and solo commuters. The directive mandates that all commercial vehicles must display the driver’s name, license number, contact information, and address prominently. This rule is seen as a step toward improving transparency and accountability in the public transport sector.

While acknowledging the importance of safety, Jyrwa emphasized the need for the government to first ensure the 24/7 deployment of traffic personnel to enforce safety measures more effectively. He said that excuses of staff shortages are not acceptable and that many young people, including taxi drivers, are willing to join the police force if provided with proper opportunities.

In addition to calling on the government for stronger enforcement, Jyrwa also encouraged commuters to remain vigilant during their travels. He advised passengers to note down the taxi's registration number and share it with family or friends. He further suggested that those carrying smartphones should take pictures of the cab from both the inside and outside for safety purposes.

Jyrwa also addressed concerns regarding the behavior of some drivers. He stated that while the majority of taxi drivers are law-abiding and professional, a few individuals with criminal intentions can compromise passenger safety. He urged passengers to avoid getting into vehicles driven by individuals who appear intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. He called for strict legal action to be taken against such drivers to ensure the safety of all commuters.

Additionally, Jyrwa mentioned that EKHTWA has already taken disciplinary action against drivers found involved in drug-related activities, particularly in areas like Polo and Them Bijoy. He emphasized that the entire taxi community should not be blamed or maligned due to the wrongdoing of a few individuals.

As per the new rule, once implemented, commercial vehicle owners will be granted a one-month window to comply with the guidelines. The rule was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who also heads the Transport Department.

The regulation will be applicable to all commercial vehicles that are operating under permits issued by the state’s Transport Department through the district transport offices. Initially, the rule will cover only four-wheeled commercial vehicles. Two-wheelers used for commercial purposes might be included in the future, depending on feasibility assessments. However, vehicles that are privately owned, government-owned, or operated by government enterprises will remain exempt from the new rule.

The proposal reflects Meghalaya's broader effort to enhance passenger safety, improve accountability among commercial drivers, and move toward a more secure public transportation system.