Shillong: The All Khasi Hills Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) has urged the Meghalaya government to implement a Reciprocal Transport Agreement (RTA) to streamline tourist transportation between Meghalaya and Assam.
The proposal was put forth during a meeting organized by the State Tourism Department on Friday.
Balajied Jyrwa, the secretary of AKMTTA, highlighted the need for Meghalaya’s inclusion in the RTA framework with Assam to facilitate smoother cross-border tourist travel.
“The primary outcome of the meeting was our strong push for the implementation of the RTA in our state. This will significantly improve the movement of tourist vehicles between Assam and Meghalaya,” Jyrwa stated.
In addition to RTA, discussions were held on the issuance of temporary permits for vehicles. The AKMTTA addressed concerns raised by its members regarding the efficiency and fairness of these permits, aiming to ensure equitable access to operational rights in the tourism sector.
Another key demand from the association was for the state government to integrate various organizations under the AKMTTA into the Tourism Department’s app.
Jyrwa emphasized the importance of app-based listings, stating that it would provide local operators with a fair opportunity to engage with tourists and enhance their visibility.
Tourism Director Cyril Diengdoh, who chaired the meeting, assured that the government is taking concrete steps to elevate the tourism experience. He announced the decision to develop an app that will list all tourist taxi associations, their drivers, and the routes they operate on.
“This app will serve as a one-stop platform for tourists, offering them a convenient way to hire drivers while ensuring transparency,” Diengdoh said.
The app will also play a crucial role in enabling tourists to make informed decisions when engaging with local services.
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Recognizing the evolving role of drivers as guides and transportation providers, the state government has planned to implement a comprehensive training program for drivers across associations. A list of drivers will be compiled to facilitate this initiative.
