Bengaluru passengers say private bus operators are fleecing them
Following complaints of overcharging, Transport Department instructs operators to comply with fare construction of KSRTC and BMTC
Many commuters counting on private bus operators, who’ve been given permits by the federal government on account of the indefinite strike by street transport company (RTC) staff, have claimed that they are being fleeced
Citing public curiosity, the Transport Department allowed private bus and van operators to ferry passengers from main bus stands within the metropolis reminiscent of Majestic and Mysuru Road satellite tv for pc bus terminal. The division additionally relaxed allow norms, offering tax advantages for a month in order that extra variety of private operators run their automobiles. However, among the operators, to make a fast bucks, are reportedly overcharging passengers.
Sunil, who was ready on the KSRTC bus station at Majestic, stated, “I came from Chikkamagaluru on Thursday morning. Usually, for a non-AC bus, it costs ₹260 to ₹300, but the conductor charged me ₹600. I had some business-related work, so I had to pay double the amount and travel. I don’t know how much I will have to pay for the return journey.”
Even within the metropolis, individuals who often take Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses to commute to work stated they needed to pay double the fare for a short-distance journey.
With mounting complaints of passengers being fleeced, division officers stepped in and did the rounds of bus stops.
The division additionally held talks with bus operators and instructed them to show routes and fare prices on the windshields of the automobiles. Joint Commissioner, Bengaluru Urban, K.T. Halaswamy stated, “Instructions have been given to the operators to follow the fare structure of the KSRTC and the BMTC and not to overcharge. Our squads at bus stops will take necessary action against those who overcharge passengers.” The division claims that round 21,000 buses, vans, and maxicabs are allowed to function.
Principal Secretary of the Transport Department Anjum Parvez claimed that solely these automobiles which had health certificates and different vital paperwork have been allowed to function.
Ramachandra, a passenger, stated, “In the time of pandemic, transport employees should not have gone on a strike. They are causing a lot of inconvenience to the general public. What would have happened if private bus operators did not come? But this arrangement is temporary. The State government should resolve the issues as early as possible.”
Action in opposition to trainee staff
Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation on Thursday despatched out a robust message to trainee staff for collaborating within the strike.
On Thursday, 96 staff have been dismissed from service, and notices served on over 1,500 for collaborating within the strike. Managing Director C. Shikha stated, “Those who are dismissed from the service did not report to duty despite getting notice. As per the rules, trainee employees cannot take part in the strike. Many more dismissals from service will happen if trainee employees continue to remain absent and take part in the strike.” Meanwhile, the KSRTC suspended 32 trainee staff.
R. Chandrashekar, president of the Karnataka State Road Transport Employees League, stated, “We are exploring legal options against the corporation for dismissing the trainee employees. It is a tactic to pressurise the employees.”