Set up a central regulatory authority to stop the exploitation of passengers due to fare hikes by private bus operators !

Surajya Abhiyan’s demand to the Union Government

Mumbai – To curb the exploitation of passengers by private bus operators, brokers, and aggregator apps (online ticketing platforms such as RedBus) during festive seasons, Surajya Abhiyan has urged the Union Government to intervene immediately. In this regard, the campaign’s Maharashtra Coordinator, Abhishek Murukate, has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and six Union Ministers.

The memorandum demands the establishment of a central regulatory authority to prevent such exploitation. Copies of this memorandum have also been submitted to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Mr Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Surajya Abhiyan stated in the memorandum :

1. During Diwali and other festivals, elections, and school vacations, private bus fares are increased by 3 to 5 times. There is no Government control over private bus fares. Apps such as RedBus collect exorbitant ticket charges from passengers; however, since there are no laws to regulate them, this exploitation continues unchecked.

2. The Union Government should enact a national law to regulate bus fare limits, licensing of aggregator apps, and monitoring of their operations.

Editorial Perspective

It is unfortunate that patriotic organisations have to step forward to demand such basic consumer protections. The Government should act on its own initiative to curb such exploitation and ensure fair treatment of citizens.