People suffer as private buses go off road
Kolkata operators call strike demanding increase in fares
It was a dreadful yesterday morning for many commuters in Kolkata as 5,000 private buses stopped their services due to a 24- hour strike by the bus operators.
Their demand is an immediate fare increase.
Even though the government put all of its buses and trams into service, there was still a shortage of transport as millions of office- goers were waiting in long queues during the morning rush hour.
The six bus organisers that have called the strike said that they were forced to take this action as the government refused to listen to their repeated pleas to increase bus fares.
“Fuel prices are increasing every month, along with other costs like maintenance, salaries making it nonviable for the bus owners to run the service if the fares are not increased immediately,” said Sadhan Das of the Joint Council of Bus Syndicate.
The organisation also accused the state government of playing dirty politics.
“There is no reason for the government not to increase the fares as it [ the government] had been protesting against the hike in fuel rates. But when it comes to such services, they are just not listening,” added Das.
However, the protest did not have any effect on the government.
It still hasn’t given in to the demands of the bus operators.
State transport minister Madan Mitra said, “We will not tolerate any blackmail by these organisations. Stern action will be taken against them if they try to block roads over agitation. We had several discussions with the syndicate, and at this time we will not over- burden the people with additional fares.”
“If the fares are not increased, many bus owners will just pull out the services. Already the fleet strength has been drastically reduced on many routes, . it may go down further which will be a bigger harassment for the people,” said Das.
He is planning another 48hour strike if the government doesn’t respond.