Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday inaugurated a prepaid taxi service at ISBT Tutikandi in Shimla, aimed at enhancing passenger convenience, safety, and fare transparency across the city and nearby destinations.

Under the new system, passengers can book taxis directly at the prepaid taxi counter and make payments in advance. After payment, they receive a slip to present to the driver, who will drop them at the designated destination. Upon returning to the station, drivers submit the slip at the counter to receive their fare. The process ensures clarity and prevents fare disputes between passengers and taxi operators.

The service will cover 26 locations within Shimla city, along with two additional destinations — Chandigarh International Airport and Chandigarh city. A total of 115 vehicles, operated by the Taxi Union, will be deployed to manage the service efficiently.

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Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted that fare rates have been officially notified by the Transport Department, making the system transparent and reliable. He said the initiative would improve passenger safety, benefit local residents, and provide a better experience for tourists visiting the hill city.

The launch event was attended by MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, DGP Ashok Tiwari, DC Anupam Kashyap, SP Gaurav Singh, and other dignitaries, marking a key step in modernising urban transport in Shimla.

Officials said the prepaid system is expected to streamline operations, reduce disputes over fares, and provide a secure, efficient mode of travel for both daily commuters and visitors to the hill state.

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