Tootle-Pathao Controversy Resurfaces

We will take action against vehicles violating the law: Minister Raghubir Mahaseth

  1 min 13 sec to read
Tootle-Pathao Controversy Resurfaces

March 22: The controversy surrounding ridesharing apps like Tootle and Pathao has resurfaced after Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Raghubir Mahaseth issued a fresh warning against the ‘illegal operation’ of the apps.

Minister Mahaseth has warned of taking action against these companies accusing them of operating illegally. Speaking at the annual review programme at his office on Tuesday (March 18), the minister said that vehicles cannot operate in violation of the law.

“Using vehicles with red number plate is against the Transportation Act. So, action will be taken against such vehicles,” he said.

The controversy first appeared some two months ago after several Pathao and Tootle riders were detained by the Metropolitan Traffic Police in Kathmandu on January 13. The debate had settled down to some extent after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli directed government officials to stop taking action against Tootle and Pathao riders.

Although the use of private vehicles as a means of public transportation is illegal in Nepal according to Section 8 of the Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act, 2049 (1993), the business is getting popular in Nepal.

Meanwhile, spokesperson at the ministry Shivahari Sapkota said that the government will not stop the service but curb illegal activities.

“The transportation act is in the process of amendment. It will determine the nature of action,” said Sapkota. 

 

 

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