Shillong, May 26: A group of Rapido taxi drivers operating in Shillong visited the office of the District Transport Officer (DTO), East Khasi Hills, at Lower Lachumiere on Tuesday seeking clarification regarding permits and licences required for app-based public transport services.

Several Rapido two-wheeler taxi drivers gathered outside the DTO office to enquire about the provisions under the Meghalaya Taxi Aggregator Operational Rules, 2019, and the legal requirements for operating bike taxi services in the state.

One of the Rapido bike taxi drivers, A. Kharbuki, said many drivers rely on the service as a source of livelihood and wanted clarity from the authorities on how they could continue operations legally.

According to the drivers, they are prepared to comply with government regulations but urged the Transport Department to issue clear guidelines regarding the documents, permits and procedures necessary for operating commercial passenger transport services through app-based platforms.

The drivers also expressed concern over uncertainty surrounding enforcement measures and sought assurance that genuine operators would be given an opportunity to regularise their services in accordance with the law.

The visit comes amid increasing scrutiny of app-based transport services in Shillong following allegations that some operators have been functioning without obtaining the required permits and commercial licences mandated under existing transport regulations.