Transport operators in Bengal seek urgent state support

Kolkata: Concerns of transporters over rising operational uncertainties and fuel costs have triggered the private operators to urgent call for state intervention to “revive the transport sector” following the recent political transition in Bengal.

The Joint Forum of Transport Operators (JFTO), an umbrella body representing five major transport associations, has formally approached chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, seeking an immediate meeting at Nabanna to discuss the rapidly destabilising transport ecosystem.

“As you are well aware, the transport sector serves as the lifeline of West Bengal’s economy and daily public life. The JFTO, representing a unified voice of various stakeholders across private buses, mini-buses, app cab including school bus in the state, has always been committed to ensuring smooth, affordable and efficient mobility for our citizens. The transport industry is currently navigating a crucial transitional phase. We have formulated a set of constructive proposals aimed at improving commuter safety and ensuring the financial sustainability of transport operators. We believe that a collaborative approach between the govt and transport operators can significantly elevate the quality of public transport in Bengal,” the letter stated.

The letter also requested permission to meet the chief minister.

The move comes close on the heels of the newly formed govt introducing free travel for women on state-run buses from June 1. The measure has fuelled intense anxiety among private operators who fear it will lead to severe market distortion and heavy financial losses.

The JFTO includes the All Bengal Bus Minibus Coordination Committee, the Online Cab Operators Guild, the City Suburban Bus Service, the North Bengal Passengers Transport Owners Coordination Committee and the Pool Car Owners Welfare Association. In their letter to the CM, the operators emphasised that the passenger transport sector is one of the largest revenue-generating engines for the state exchequer.

The forum told TOI that a sharp and continuous escalation in petrol and diesel prices has severely eroded profit margins, making the independent upkeep of private fleets increasingly unviable without direct state subsidies or financial aid.

Furthermore, the operators noted that the change in the state administration has opened scope for discussions regarding route rationalisation, app-based cab regulations and the management of school pool car operations.

Stressing that private transport requires a clear parallel roadmap to survive alongside expanded public services, the forum has urged the govt to collaborate on policy decisions. Nabanna is yet to issue a formal response to the operators’ request.