Transport entrepreneurs have agreed to call off the ongoing public transport strike.
The Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs decided after the Office of the Prime Minister agreed to send a formal letter to the Gandaki Province government, requesting it to suspend the newly introduced ridesharing regulation. The regulation allowed vehicles with red number plates to carry passengers, which had sparked protests from transport entrepreneurs. Gandaki Province has received the letter.
An agreement was reached during the third round of talks held on Monday between the government team and representatives of public transport operators.
Following the introduction of the new ridesharing and self-driving regulation by the Gandaki Province government, which legitimised such services, transport entrepreneurs had halted all public transportation in Gandaki since last Friday. On Monday, the strike expanded nationwide, affecting public transportation across the country.
The demand of the transport operators has also been criticised by the users of ridesharing services, citing the ease and comfort ride-sharing services provide in comparison to the sluggish Nepali public transport system.