Kathmandu, January 17, 2019: After the gathering of National Development Commission and National Planning Commission, the PM has directed the clergyman of physical infrastructure and transport, Raghubir Mahaseth to re-start the services of Tootle and Pathao without any hindrance. The Technology-based intermediary companies’ that operate from mobile applications Tootle and Pathao which have been running the business for a month in Kathmandu were alleged to be running its services against the legal periphery.
The action which was taken against the two-wheeler ride-sharing services terming them ‘illegal’ and ‘unsafe’, by the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) and the Metropolitan Traffic Police Office (MTPO), the frustration was poured by the general public on the actions of MTPO on the social media. Prime Minister KP Oli and former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai have similarly shared their frustration for taking the action against the two-wheeler ride-sharing services which was working in the favor of general public respectively.
After the taxi services filed the complaints against Tootle and Pathao, this campaign was started by The Metropolitan Traffic Police Division reports SP Jaya Raj Sapkota, Spokesperson at the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division. He said police impounded five motorbikes and arrested their riders operating the bike hailing service on Monday. The bike riders were fined Rs 1,000 for violating the law.
Pathao, whose main administrating branch locates at Bangladesh has been providing services to the general people for a few months. It was launched in January 2017 by a group of youngsters conducting researches on location-based online platforms. The campaign started by the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division got the mixed feedback where several of the people poured their frustration.
Nepal Student Union has warned for the continuing agitation against the decision if the provisions that protect and encourage innovation are not promulgated. They further add that instead of banning such services, the government should give tax breaks for a certain number of years and draft legislation that supports new ideas. The physical innovation spaces should be created and provide mentorship and funds.
