Old taxi rates are cheaper by a few ngultrums

Sherab Lhamo

The Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA) recently updated the taxi fare structure in the country, but taxi drivers are not charging the new fares because of its potential impact on passengers.

As per the BCTA regulation, the fare is set at Nu 25.81 per kilometre (km) for a five-seater taxi. For a shared ride among four passengers, this translates to Nu 6.45 per person. However, if an individual books the entire taxi, they pay the full fare of Nu 25.81 per km.

The coordinator of taxis in Thimphu, Thinley Dorji, raised concerns about the implementation of these revised rates as it increases the fares for passengers.

He said that while the official fare for a trip from City Bus Parking to Babesa is Nu 58.07 per passenger, taxis are currently charging only Nu 50.

The 9km trip from City Bus Parking to Babesa from upper road would cost Nu 232.29 at the new rates, which divides to Nu 58.07 per passenger if the taxi is shared among four people.

The taxi coordinator said that if taxi drivers were to follow the BCTA rates, they would likely see a decrease in passengers due to the higher fares. “The revised rates would place a financial burden on passengers, which is why they have not been implemented.”

A regular taxi commuter said she pays Nu 400 from Khuruthang to Thimphu shared by three other passengers.  According to revised BCTA rates, the fare should be Nu 419 per person.

A BCTA official clarified that fare revisions are based on the taxi fare computational model that includes various factors such as annual recurring expenses, registration and renewal, insurance premium, fitness test, driver’s salaries, and overall operational costs.

The rates are reviewed twice a year.

Bhutan currently has 6,325 taxis, with Thimphu alone accounting for 4,199.

Phuntsholing has 1,165 taxis followed by Gelephu with 641, Samdrup Jongkhar with 119 and Mongar with 201.

The BCTA received 30 complaints about high fares last year, all of which have been resolved.

To lodge complaints, individuals need to provide their trip details, including the taxi number and driver’s name through email or at the nearest BCTA Base Office.

Although there is no difference in night and day charges for taxi and bus fares, taxi drivers often charge more at night.

Taxi Coordinator Thinely Dorji said that taxi drivers charge extra at night as there are less chances of getting passengers at night compared to day and for safety concerns.  “There have been cases in the past where passengers fought with drivers, with some refusing to even pay the fare.”

BCTA has trained 360 officials, including traffic police, and 1,417 taxi drivers and other vehicle drivers on BCTA regulation since February to June 2024.

BCTA also announced that public bus commuters are allowed to carry 20 kg of their luggage. “Weighing machines are available at bus stations across the country,” the BCTA official said.