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As Diwali approaches, a huge increase in private bus fares  

  • Contact numbers for complaints not working

  • When will the robbery of passengers stop ? – Surajya Abhiyan questions the Government

  • Statement from Surajya Abhiyan to Maharashtra State Transport Commissioner
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Mumbai – Before the start of Diwali festival, private bus operators are looting the passengers by increasing the ticket prices again this year. There is a common perception that ‘during holidays and festivals, one has to pay more fare’. In the year 2018, the state Government issued an order fixing the fares of passenger buses; but even after 6 years the situation remains the same. The order provided two contact numbers (022) 62426666 and 1800220110 to complain against the private bus operators who charged more fares but these are no longer operating. Why are these not working ? Doing so is nothing but the exploitation of the passengers. Abhishek Murukate, the Maharashtra State Coordinator of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s Surajya Abhiyan asked that, ‘When will this looting of passengers stop ?’ He was talking about this while giving the appeal to the Maharashtra State Transport Commissioner.

The report states,

1. Some Regional Transport Offices have announced a ‘WhatsApp Helpline’ number for complaints. If the commissioner’s office has issued an order to do so, why have other regional transport offices not declared such numbers ?

2. When we met the transport officials and asked ‘What action has been taken against the private bus operators who charge more ticket fares ?’, at that time we got the reply that ‘we have not received any complaints’. If the phone number for complaints is not working, how will complaints come ? Action should be taken against such irresponsible officials. Also these contact numbers should be activated immediately and should remain active for 24 hours.

3. A committee was formed on 5th April 2023 to frame the ‘Maharashtra Regulations of Aggregator Rules 2022’ to regulate ‘App’ and ‘Web-based Aggregators’ as well; but the report has not been submitted by the committee yet. When will the Government submit and when will its work be done ? How much will this delay affect the passengers ? When will the Government consider this ?

4. Surajya Abhiyan has already communicated several times with the Transport Department and State Government through letters, e-mails and X posts, as well as face-to-face meetings; but even after a long time, the questions remain unanswered and the looting of passengers continues.

Editorial Perspective

The Government is expected to take strict action against the owners of private buses who rob the passengers by increasing the fare during festivals.

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