April 9, 2025
THIMPHU – While most are chasing fares, one cabbie is giving his rides away—for free, and for a cause.
Tempa Gyeltshen, a 33-year-old taxi driver from Samdrupjongkhar, has started offering taxi services for pregnant women in the capital, a gesture aimed at easing the burden on expectant mothers who may struggle with transportation costs.
Any pregnant woman in need of a ride can call him—any time—at 77645995.
His service is especially helpful for pregnant women who do not own a car or cannot afford taxi fares. During pregnancy, women often have to visit the hospital multiple times, and his initiative will ease that burden.
For the past week, Tempa Gyeltshen’s white taxi, marked with the message “Pregnant Women Free Service”, has been crisscrossing Thimphu. The message, now widely shared on TikTok, has struck a chord with viewers, who see in this act a rare expression of empathy in public life.
“I don’t have any big reason or story behind this,” Tempa Gyeltshen said. “I just genuinely want to help pregnant women through this effort.”
The number of taxis in the capital is steadily rising, fueling intense competition among drivers for passengers. Tempa Gyeltshen acknowledged that business hasn’t been easy. “Taxi income isn’t great these days,” he said. “But that shouldn’t stop us from helping others when we can.”
He has been driving a taxi for nearly a year now. Before that, he worked as a driving instructor at the Gangjung Driving Institute for three years. He now lives in Taba with his wife and young daughter.
Although he did not receive any calls during the first week, he remains committed. “I will try my best to continue this service for as long as I can.”