Himachal Pradesh News
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Launches Prepaid Taxi Service in Shimla from Tutikandi ISBT
In a move aimed at making travel easier and more transparent for visitors and residents, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday launched a prepaid taxi service at the ISBT in Tutikandi, Shimla.
In a move aimed at making travel easier and more transparent for visitors and residents, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday launched a prepaid taxi service at the ISBT in Tutikandi, Shimla.
The newly introduced system will allow passengers arriving at the bus terminal to book taxis directly from a prepaid counter, removing the need to negotiate fares with drivers. After paying the fixed fare at the counter, passengers will receive a payment slip, which they must show to the taxi driver before starting the journey.
Once the trip is completed, the driver will return to the station and submit the slip at the counter to receive the payment for the ride.
Fixed Fare System to Prevent Disputes
Officials said the prepaid system has been designed to eliminate fare disputes and ensure transparency in taxi services. Since the fares are pre-notified by the Transport Department, passengers can travel without worrying about overcharging.
“This initiative will ensure transparency in taxi operations and provide greater safety for passengers,” the Chief Minister said while launching the service.
Service to Cover 26 Locations in Shimla
The prepaid taxi service will initially cover 26 destinations within Shimla city, making it easier for travellers to reach popular locations without hassle.
In addition to local destinations, taxis under the scheme will also operate to two major outstation locations — Chandigarh city and Chandigarh International Airport, offering greater convenience to tourists heading to or from Shimla.
115 Vehicles to Operate Under the Service
A total of 115 taxis have been registered under the prepaid system, which will be operated by the local Taxi Union. Authorities believe the service will benefit both tourists visiting Shimla and local residents who rely on taxis for daily travel.
Officials Present at the Launch
Several senior officials and public representatives attended the launch event, including Shimla MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, DGP Ashok Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and SP Gaurav Singh.
The introduction of the prepaid taxi service is expected to improve transport management at the busy Tutikandi bus terminal, particularly during peak tourist seasons when Shimla sees a surge in visitors.
