Govt prepares to classify taxis into three categories

The government is set to classify taxis available for domestic services into three categories.

According to the draft of the ‘Standards for Vehicles Used as Taxis, 2080 BS’ issued by the Department of Transport Management, the taxis will be classified as ordinary, deluxe and luxury based on their characteristics like size, accommodation capacity and available facilities. The Department has sought public submissions on the draft via its email or facebook page within June 19.

Ordinary taxies should be minimum 800 cc or more, and in case of electric ones, the minimum power-to-weight ratio should be 0.012. Such taxis should have a sound system for entertainment with speakers fitted in the front and rear.

Likewise, for deluxe taxis, they should be minimum 1,200 cc or more, and in case of electric ones, the minimum power-to-weight ratio should be 0.019. These taxis should have a sound system, at least a touchscreen display, automatic power windows, air conditioner, and a reading lamp in the rear.

Luxury taxis should be minimum 2000 cc or more, and in case of electric ones, the minimum power-to-weight ratio should be 0.025. There should be a sound system with speakers in the front and rear, at least two touchscreen displays in the back, automatic power windows, air conditioners, free WiFi, head rest in the front and back, cup holders, reading lamps, DC/AC power sockets to charge electric gadgets including mobile phones.

Such categorised taxis should specify their specialties with a sign of ‘O’ for ordinary one, ‘D’ for deluxe and ‘L’ for luxury. Similarly, they should have lighting mounted to its front signifying vacant for green light, occupied for red and off duty for white. Each taxi should have a digital meter along with a printer, and a GPS navigation system with a display.

The Department has proposed different fare rate based on the types of the taxis. Fare remains the same set by the government in case of an ordinary taxi. When it comes to a deluxe taxi, the fare jumps 20 percent, and in case of a luxury taxi, the fare increases 100 percent.