Kathmandu. Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has submitted a suggestion to the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport regarding the ‘National Standards for Taxi Used Vehicles, 2081’.

The meeting submitted detailed suggestions to Minister Madhav Prasad Chaulagain on some practical and policy issues related to the ‘National Standard for Taxi Used Vehicles, 2081’.

According to the Taxi Service Standard, 2081 BS, the taxi service has been divided into three categories: general, special and special. The technical, safety and service specifications are clearly specified in the standard and the vehicles that meet these standards can be included in the taxi service.

Currently, only sedan type vehicles are allowed to operate taxi services in Bagmati province. However, there is a clear provision that vehicles falling under the general, special and special category as per the national standards and fulfilling all the technical, safety and service standards can be included in the taxi service. “There is no clear reason to exclude utilised, passenger-friendly and utilitarian vehicles from taxi services other than sedans,” it said. Allowing different categories of vehicles fulfilling all the conditions specified in the standard will give more flexibility to the taxi service provider to provide service as per the need, providing adequate facilities to the passengers, luggage space, accessibility (disabled-friendly) and additional options according to the size of the passenger group.

The letter also mentions that taxi services are being operated by vehicles of different sizes and classes in different countries of the world. In Nepal, especially in Bagmati province, options are limited. Although some other cities have allowed taxi services for different categories of vehicles, there is a practical disparity in Bagmati Province as the system has not been implemented, according to Naima. In this context, NAIMA has suggested that it would be appropriate for justice, equity and service expansion to allow taxi services to vehicles falling under the general, special and special category and fulfilling all the technical, safety and service specifications set out in the national standard.

Expressing full respect to the objective and spirit of the policy framework prepared by the Ministry, NIMA clarified that its recommendations have been presented with the objective of enhancing the industry experience, practical needs and quality of service. “We are committed to continuously collaborating with the Ministry for safe, quality and passenger-friendly taxi services,” reads the letter.