The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Bhutan Taxi Association (BTA) has announced a 50 percent fare discount for people travelling to Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) to attend the construction of the 108 Jangchub Chortens on 1 November.
Tshering Penjor, Executive Director of the BTA, said the initiative aims to encourage people to use taxis instead of private cars, reduce expected traffic congestion and provide a safe and affordable travel option.
He added that the discount would also help people who are deeply interested in attending the historic event but face financial constraints.
The association has closed registrations, with more than 1,600 taxi drivers from 19 dzongkhags volunteering to participate.
The taxi service will officially begin on 27 October. However, travellers can arrange to travel three or four days earlier by discussing their plans with the drivers.
To help passengers identify participating taxis, each vehicle will carry a sticker reading “108 Chorten Construction”.
The BTA has also appointed dzongkhag coordinators in all 19 dzongkhags to help arrange transport for interested travellers. Their contact numbers are available on the association’s Facebook page.
There is no fixed breakdown of discounted fares for each dzongkhag, as the association is concerned that setting definitive prices could lead to negative public reactions.
Instead, fares will be based on standard rates between dzongkhags, with room for negotiation depending on pickup and drop-off locations and any additional local travel charges.
For example, a taxi journey from Thimphu to Gelephu normally costs Nu 1,500, which would be reduced to Nu 750 under the discount. However, passengers travelling from locations such as Dangrina or Bebena may incur additional local travel costs. These can be negotiated directly with drivers to arrive at a fair amount.
The 50 percent discount will also apply to return journeys. Participating drivers will be able to return to their home dzongkhags at the discounted rate after the Project 108 event concludes.
