Pvt bus operators still violate the rule, charging double fare

Pvt bus operators still violate the rule, charging double fare

Pune: Travelling for the Festival of Lights has become costlier. Taking advantage of the heavy rush, private bus operators are raising fares. The State government has directed private bus operators not to charge more than 1.5 times the actual fare. However, many private bus operators are charging double the usual bus fare.

Recently, the Regional Transport Office held a meeting with the private bus operators and warned that action will be taken if they charge more than 1.5 times the corresponding fare of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).

However, passengers claim that they have been charged doubled by the private bus operators over Friday and Saturday. The passengers paid Rs 3,500 for sleeper bus to Nagpur which is Rs 1,400 more than the usual State Transport fare. The price for the same destination by the State Transport’s Shivshahi sleeper is Rs 2,100.

Due to Diwali, the MSRTC has announced a short duration fare hike to make most of the festival seasons. As per the State Transport circular, between November 1 and 17, the MSRTC fare will be increased by 10 to 15 per cent. 

The revised rates have been received by all ST bus depots and are being charged by the conductors. The Pune Division of MSRTC has made arrangements for additional bus operations to accommodate more demand especially from those wanting to travel to Marathwada, Khandesh, Konkan and Vidarbha during Diwali. A private bus operator at Sangamwadi told Sakal Times, on condition of anonymity, that they are not charging extra. 

“Those who booked ticket early are getting the seats. Those coming at the last moment and asking for the seats, we are just charging extra as per the rule of the State government. If the seats are reserved, then there is no question of charging more, but if you come at the last moment, then we have to charge according to the rule of the State government which says that charge can be 1.5 times the original rate.”

Rush hour traffic
 The Diwali vacation began on Saturday and all schools and colleges will remain shut for 10  to 15 days. Thus, three bus depots at Shivajinagar, Pune station and Swargate were packed with passengers. Also crowded was the Sangam bridge bus stand, from where private operators operate. The passengers are waiting for hours to get tickets due to the heavy rush. As per the MSRTC officials, “All buses are full with passengers. We are already running extra buses. Those who have already booked their tickets through online are coming on time and those who want current tickets are waiting.” 

 The commuters who are travelling within the city and outside the city are facing heavy traffic jams in the evening. 
 

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com