Aizawl: The Mizoram Government on Wednesday rolled out MizoTaxi, a locally developed mobile-based taxi aggregation platform, marking a major step towards digitising the State's public transport network while ensuring commuters have access to government-approved fares.
Transport Minister Vanlalhlana formally launched the application at a programme held in the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Transport. Addressing the gathering, he said the initiative represents a landmark achievement in the State's efforts to modernise public transportation through technology.
The minister noted that although app-based taxi services such as Ola, Uber and Rapido have become common across the country, Mizoram now has its own home-grown platform created by local entrepreneurs to meet the specific needs of the people. He described the launch as a matter of pride for the State.
Emphasising the platform's commuter-friendly approach, Vanlalhlana said MizoTaxi will operate using fares fixed by the State Transport Authority (STA), unlike many commercial aggregators that rely on dynamic pricing driven by profit.
The app, he said, is expected to make taxi services more transparent, affordable and reliable while demonstrating Mizoram's commitment to embracing modern technological solutions.
The minister also highlighted the important role played by taxi drivers in the State. He said they are not only an essential part of Mizoram's transport system but also act as its ambassadors, as travellers arriving through Lengpui Airport or Sairang Railway Station often encounter taxi drivers as their first point of contact with the State.
Stressing the growing importance of digital services, Vanlalhlana observed that technological advancements have reshaped governance and public service delivery, making it necessary for the transport sector to adopt digital platforms.
With commuters increasingly opting for online bookings and cashless payments, and drivers frequently spending long hours waiting for passengers, the new application is expected to bridge the gap by connecting both more efficiently.
Transport Director and STA Secretary R. Lalrammawia said the application has been developed to provide a simple and convenient way for passengers to book taxis at fares officially approved by the government.
He clarified that the platform will retain six per cent of every fare as a service charge, with a minimum deduction of Rs 5 and a maximum of Rs 10 per trip, solely to cover the application's operational and maintenance costs.
The launch of MizoTaxi comes despite resistance from sections of the taxi community during its initial proposal stage, with both four-wheeler and two-wheeler taxi associations having expressed concerns over the initiative.