Faceoff between authorities, private bus operators continues

SHIMLA: The faceoff between transport authorities and private bus operators in the state refuses to die down as the latter has given an ultimatum to increase bus fare by September 2. The bus operators have also called a state level meeting in the first week of September under the aegis of private bus operators' joint coordination committee to discuss further strategy.

President of private bus operators union, Pankaj Chauhan, said, "We have repeatedly held talks with secretary and director of transport as outlined by the transport minister. However, these have failed to yield any result. Our major demand is increase in bus fare in accordance with input costs. The union had even suggested setting up a fare regulatory authority which will review the impact of input costs regularly and suggest fares. However, the modalities have not been worked out by the department."

Following the token strike, the joint coordination committee of private bus operators of 11 districts will meet in Una in the first week of September to discuss the next step, Chauhan said. The union has been stressing for a minimum fare of Rs 5 across the state and 40% increase in bus fare since August, besides other demands. The union had held protests twice, first a protest rally on August 5 and then a 24-hour statewide strike on August 26. The union claimed that the strike on August 26 was complete in all districts except Kangra.

According to estimates, Himachal Road Transport Corporation ( HRTC) has a fleet of over 2,100 buses in the state while the strength of private buses is more than 3,600. Meanwhile, transport minister G S Bali has stated repeatedly that there can be no dual fare system in the state, sources said.