The two-wheeler taxi riders in Kohima on Tuesday reiterated their appeal to the transport department to legalise the two-wheeler taxi service.
They alleged that the department concerned had been “lackadaisical” in legalising the service and regulating it systematically, forcing them to halt the service while waiting for issuance of a notification in this regard.
In a release, the two-wheeler riders said they are living in the state capital depending on the two-wheeler profession.
They said many riders had bought their two-wheelers by taking loans but are unable to repay the same as they are unable to continue the service smoothly.
The two-wheeler riders also urged the concerned citizens of Nagaland and civil societies to request the transport department to take up the matter and expedite the legalisation of two-wheeler taxi service in the state.
They said the feasibility and applicability of two-wheeler taxi service, which had been functioning in Kohima town for almost a year, has been proven.
They claimed positive response towards the service from the people of Kohima.
They said the people of the state capital have been using the service everyday to reach their destination on time and escape the stagnant traffic jam of Kohima town.
The release said the educated Naga youths are working to create self-employment by contributing in making public transportation convenient in Kohima town. It said 50 Naga youths are engaged in the income-generation profession.
“Kohima town has a potential to accommodate more youth with proper regulation and the legalization can propel introduction of the service in different districts which could create more employment opportunity for youths across Nagaland,” the two-wheeler taxi riders said.