PUNE: In a joint action, the Pune city police Traffic Branch and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) have taken action against 45 private luxury buses in which passengers were made to pay exorbitant fares in the run-up to the Diwali festival.
As people are rushing back to their hometowns for the celebrations, many operators are cashing in on the situation. As per the officials, the bus operators cannot charge more than 1.5 times the normal fare charged by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses. However, it is being seen that many operators are charging very high fares.
Last week, DCP (Traffic) Pankaj Deshmukh had convened a meeting of bus operators and conveyed the government’s decision of not charging more than prescribed fare. However, many operators are still charging high fares. The police received complaints on WhatsApp number 8411800100 as well as their Twitter handle @PuneCityTraffic Accordingly, action was taken against errant bus operators.
“We appeal to people to approach us with tickets if they were charged more than the prescribed fares. Legal action is being taken against the bus operators”, said DCP Deshmukh.
RTO Ajit Shinde said the drive is continuing with help from traffic police. “We are sending details of those charged, such as permit, licence numbers to the transport commissioner, who issues permits to bus operators, for further action. This action may lead to impounding of buses as well as cancellation of permits and licences. We appeal to people to approach police if any bus operator is overcharging fare.”
PASSENGERS ARE FUMING...
“Diwali is the most awaited festival for students who live far from their hometowns. But the fares of buses as well as flights have skyrocketed. Usually, I travel from Pune to Nagpur in Rs 800 but this time I paid Rs 1,800. I had to pay Rs 1,000 extra to celebrate Diwali with my family,” said Pooja Pradhan, a student.
Zubin Hamine, a techie residing in Wakad, said, “This has become the norm every year. I paid Rs 7,500 for two tickets to Indore in Volvo bus. Normal fare is Rs 2,600 to 2,800 per person. I don’t mind it, as it is still less than air fare.”
