GUWAHATI: State Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary met with the Asia and India heads of OLA, UBER and Rapido cab services at Janata Bhawan on 26th February.
Allowing vehicles from all the services to ply in Guwahati, Patowary said that vehicles having three-state permits can run in the city.
Earlier, cabs having three-state permits were to be suspended from services.
“Cabs which will ply on Guwahati roads will have to follow the norms set by the Transport department. Both Rapido rider and passenger will have to wear helmets,” said Patowary.
Discussing issues on road safety, the vehicles were asked to adhere to rules and regulations and both riders and passengers of two-wheeler taxis were directed to wear helmets.
Proful Lall, Head of Corporate Affairs, Rapido, stated that all riders of Rapido are verified and trained. They are given two helmets – one for the rider and another for the passenger. They also provide training for enrolling on their app. He also informed that there is a provision of SOS (emergency button) which can be used by the passengers. They constantly monitor the movement of bikes so that they do not cross the speed limit.
Suman Acharjee, Guwahati City Head of Rapido, informed G Plus, "We had some misunderstanding with the transport authorities. But everything had been resolved and will continue services as per rules."
When asked about the sealing of the Rapido Office at Jonali by the Regional Transport Authority Acharjee said that no such incident had taken place.
However, it has to be mentioned that, Bapan Kalita, DTO (Enforcement) had earlier said that Rapido office in Guwahati had been sealed in the city as they were plying illegally without valid documents. The Rapido drivers had also staged protests in Chandmari in this regard.
