Bus operators threaten strike
The members also submitted a deputation to the department demanding extension of time for plying of 15-year-old vehicles.
Taking a tough stand against the sections of private and minibus operators who are charging fares higher than the official rate chart, the state Transport Department has issued a letter to the unions asking them to adhere to the
existing amount or face stern action.
Notably, a large number of bus operators in the city and suburbs have been charging higher fares from the commuters than the official chart, since the resumption of services after the second wave of the pandemic. Most of the private bus operators are taking rupees 10 as the minimum fare instead of the official amount of rupees seven.
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The situation is worse in minibuses which are charging much higher fares from the commuters who are being forced to pay an extra amount after heated arguments with the conductors. Taking a note of the complaints from several commuters, as stated by the department in the communication, the department has sent to the five major private and minibus unions of the city.
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The department has warned the bus operators of stern action as per Motor Vehicles Act if the owners fail to adhere to the official rate chart. The bus operators, on the contrary, have said that running services at the official rate chart is very difficult amid the soaring petrol prices.
The unions are also claiming that the move will only lead to a reduction in the number of buses hitting the city roads bringing more difficulties for the commuters.
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