Public transport entrepreneurs and workers’ unions have jointly launched a nationwide protest against the recently introduced Ride-hailing policy by the Gandaki Province Government. The entrepreneurs claim the policy threatens their livelihoods and undermines years of investment in the sector.

Seven major transport-related organizations have united under the banner of the “Public Transport Protection Central Struggle Committee” to spearhead the movement.

In a joint press statement issued on Sunday, June 1, the committee announced that all public transport vehicles affiliated with these organizations would stop operation starting Monday. 

The protesting organizations argue that the ride-hailing-related policy contradicts with the existing laws and constitutional provisions. They claim the decision will dismantle the structured public transport ecosystem and cause irreparable harm to those who have invested heavily in it.

The statement also accuses the provincial authorities of ignoring repeated appeals and memorandums submitted by the industry in the past.

In addition to initiating the protest, the committee said it has submitted a seven-point memorandum to the federal government, urging immediate intervention to address their grievances.