Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday launched the prepaid taxi service for the state from ISBT Tutikandi in Shimla. Under this facility, passengers will have to book taxis from the prepaid taxi counter at ISBT Tutikandi. After making the payment at the counter, the customer will receive a payment slip, which must be shown to the taxi driver. The driver will then drop the passenger at the designated destination. After returning to the station, the driver will submit the slip at the counter to receive payment for the journey.
Since the fare will be paid in advance, passengers will not face any inconvenience or disputes with drivers regarding fares. The prepaid taxi service will cover 26 locations within Shimla city, along with two additional destinations — Chandigarh International Airport and Chandigarh. A total of 115 vehicles will be part of this service and will be operated by the Taxi Union.
The Chief Minister said the initiative would ensure transparency as the fare rates have been notified by the Transport Department. He added that it would also enhance passenger safety and benefit both tourists and local residents.
MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, DGP Ashok Tiwari, DC Anupam Kashyap, SP Gaurav Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.