POKHARA: New regulations legalizing ride-sharing and self-drive services in Gandaki Province have disrupted public transportation.

Following the rules’ release, vehicle operators stopped services in protest, fearing these will weaken public transport.

Taxi, bus, and freight services have been fully suspended since early morning.

Protesters oppose allowing private vehicles to operate like public transport and demand the government revoke the rules. They plan to block vehicles within the province from the 16th and nationwide from the 19th.

Currently, 16,000 public vehicles remain idle, leaving roads, including in tourist areas, empty. The government published these regulations after a Supreme Court ruling legalized private vehicle services, overriding previous bans.

The rules require all service providers to register online within 30 days and set licensing and renewal fees based on vehicle type. Annual fees for two- and four-wheelers are also mandated.

Negotiations between the government and transport operators are ongoing amid strong opposition.