Pvt bus owners threaten strike over fares

SNS, Siliguri, 8 June 2014: Private bus owners have threatened to go on an indefinite strike in north Bengal if fares are not hiked soon. The owners said they will wait for the decision of the state government in this regard till 15 June.

"It is impossible for us to run buses as the operating costs have gone up substantially, while the government is unwilling to increase the bus fares even after the fuel price hike. We have no way out, the oil prices and other expenditures have shot up to such an extent that the only solution is a hike in the public transport fares,” the North Bengal Passenger Transport Owners' Coordination Committee (NBPTOCC) Pranab Mani said.

“If within this period (until 15 June), the fares are not increased, we may go for an indefinite strike," he said.

According to Mr Mani, five bus operators' organisations in the state have served deputations to chief minister Mamata Banerjee, transport minister Madan Mitra and chief secretary Sanjay Mitra in Kolkata, demanding a fare hike.

"If the state government fails to take any decision within 15 June and if the decision is taken statewide by our organisations to go for the strike in a meeting on 16 June, we will also call for an indefinite bus strike in north Bengal. The bus is the cheapest mode of transport and unfortunately the state government is ignoring it," he added.

Mr Mani said they will request auto rickshaw owners also to take part in the transport shutdown.

Explaining their demand, Mr Mani said: "In 2005, the price of diesel was Rs 33.09 per litre and the bus fare was 50 paise per kilometer, while in 2014 when the diesel price is Rs 62 per litre the bus fare is 55 paise per kilometer--only an increase of 5 paise in those years which is inadequate. We are demanding the fare should be made at least 80 paise per kilometre."

If the bus operators go on the strike, around 8,000 buses, mini buses and maxis would remain off the roads in north Bengal. The bus owners belonging to the Joint Council of Bus Syndicate, Bengal Bus Syndicate, All Bengal Bus Minibus Samnway Committee and the NBPTOCC will take a call on the matter after the 16 June meeting.