Panel formed to check on fares charged by pvt bus operators, unauthorised apps

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday announced of forming a state-level committee to check on arbitrary fares charged by private bus operators and unauthorised ticket booking mobile apps.The committee, comprising joint transport commissioner and three representatives from the social movement ‘Surajya Abhiyan', was tasked with proposing long-term remedial measures."The govt takes a serious view of the arbitrary fare hikes being imposed by private bus operators in the state, and the financial exploitation of passengers through unauthorized mobile applications," Sarnaik said.He said the constituted committee would submit a detailed report on controlling fare hikes by private buses and curbing illegal booking applications."A meeting will be convened once the committee's report is received. Then, the state govt would effectively implement the remedial measures suggested by the committee," he added.Sarnaik said that exorbitant ticket fares are often charged to passengers during festivals or holiday periods. "Strict action must be taken against such passenger bus operators who engage in the financial fleecing of travellers. Under no circumstances, would the exploitation of passengers be tolerated," he mentioned.Private bus operators said govt must take them into confidence before making any decision."The fare hike occurs during peak business days in the light of govt rules. Also, govt must address our financial woes during lean business days," Mubeen Khan, a transporter said.Separately, Sarnaik directed the transport department to issue a circular regarding the use of grammatically accurate Marathi language, specifically in the context of places whose names have been officially changed. He also stated that concrete steps are being taken to revamp the bus stands and ensure permanent cleanliness.