Himachal roadways will soon start taxi services in Shimla's restricted and sealed routes, state transport minister G S Bali said Wednesday.
"The new taxis will ply on the roads in a month or so after Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) purchases these vehicles," Bali told reporters here.
"Now those passengers of 65 years of age and above, and handicapped people will be able to travel in these taxis," he said.
Senior citizens will be eligible to make a travel pass for Rs 300 for 30 trips. For other categories, the minimum one-way ticket will now be Rs 20.
Last month, the state government had stopped these taxis after the court intervened that all categories of passengers were travelling in these taxis.
Most vehicles are not allowed to ply on Shimla's restricted and sealed roads. Asked if HRTC bus fares would be reduced, Bali said if the prices of oil dropped further the management would look into this aspect.
"HRTC has decided to retire its buses after 10 years or after 7.5-lakh-km travel. We are in the process of working out a time frame for private buses soon," Bali said.
The transport minister also flagged off three speed interceptor vehicles from outside the secretariat.
In another effort to reduce accidents, drivers operating buses and taxis would have to be endorsed by the government to drive on hill roads.
The government was also planning, more aggressively, to spread the message of safe driving and overloading through slogans on buses and hoardings.
WITH A RIDER
"The new taxis will ply on the roads in a month or so after Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) purchases these vehicles," Bali told reporters here.
"Now those passengers of 65 years of age and above, and handicapped people will be able to travel in these taxis," he said.
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Only if there are vacant seats, other category of people can travel in these taxis.
Senior citizens will be eligible to make a travel pass for Rs 300 for 30 trips. For other categories, the minimum one-way ticket will now be Rs 20.
Last month, the state government had stopped these taxis after the court intervened that all categories of passengers were travelling in these taxis.
Most vehicles are not allowed to ply on Shimla's restricted and sealed roads. Asked if HRTC bus fares would be reduced, Bali said if the prices of oil dropped further the management would look into this aspect.
"HRTC has decided to retire its buses after 10 years or after 7.5-lakh-km travel. We are in the process of working out a time frame for private buses soon," Bali said.
The transport minister also flagged off three speed interceptor vehicles from outside the secretariat.
In another effort to reduce accidents, drivers operating buses and taxis would have to be endorsed by the government to drive on hill roads.
The government was also planning, more aggressively, to spread the message of safe driving and overloading through slogans on buses and hoardings.
WITH A RIDER
- Last month, the Himachal government had stopped these taxis after the court intervened that all categories of passengers were travelling in these taxis
- These taxis are meant for the elderly above 65 years of age and the differently-abled. However, if there are vacant seats, other passengers can travel in these taxis