KATHMANDU: For the second day in a row, people across Nepal faced major difficulties getting around as public transportation remained largely shut down due to protests by transport business owners. Meanwhile, ride-sharing services like Pathao and InDrive have seen a surge in demand.
With buses and microbuses off the roads, many of the usually crowded bus stops appeared nearly empty of public vehicles. In their place, motorbikes and cars operated by ride-sharing drivers were busy picking up stranded passengers.
A few services, however, continued to run. Buses operated by Sajha Yatayat, some private taxis, and Mayur Yatayat vehicles were still seen on the roads.
Public security forces, including Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, also ran two free bus routes to help ease the pressure on commuters.
The transport strike began in response to new ride-sharing regulations introduced by the Gandaki Provincial Government, which many public transport operators oppose. Though the federal government and transport associations reached an agreement late Monday night to ask the Gandaki government to temporarily suspend the new rules, the strike has continued.
Transport operators are demanding that the regulation be formally withdrawn, not just paused. Until then, they say, they will keep their vehicles off the roads.
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