TIA to have new tourist taxis

KATHMANDU, Dec 17: The government has decided to introduce ´Tourist Taxi´ into operation at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). "We are preparing to introduce around 300 new pre-paid taxis in three months," said Ratish Chandra Lal Suman, general manager of TIA.



"New tourist-taxis will come into operation from the Nepali New Year," he added.[break]



Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Lokendra Bista Magar had announced some days ago at a press conference that the government was planning to introduce tourist taxis at the airport in near future.



General Manager Suman said since the existing Transport Entrepreneurs Union of Airport need to be taken into confidence on the matter, the government is planning to introduce the new service in partnership with the union. "Union is positive about procuring new vehicles if there is any tax exemption," he said.



If exemption does not come through, the union is asking to allow vehicles which are up to five years old to be used as new tourist taxis.



Although the government is still working on the pre-conditions required to be a tourist taxi, officials said that they will be definitely better in terms of hygiene and service.

Passengers using tourist taxis will have pre-paid system where passengers will pay a fixed amount depending on destination in advance.



TIA officials said the fare will be fixed by the department of transportation. "In order to make it organized, we will introduce token system, which is a reliable system being in use in developed countries as well," Suman said.



Although Transport Entrepreneurs Union, Airport Chapter, will be coordinating the service, TIA officials hope it is going to be a milestone in sprucing up the image of Tribhuvan International Airport.

Related story

KMC against govt decision to add 1,500 taxis in Kathmandu