Transport unions warn fare hikes upto 25% from June 1

Patna: The burden of inflation is set to rise further in the state. After repeated hikes in petrol and diesel prices, auto drivers in Patna have already started charging arbitrary fares. Now, auto, private bus and cab unions are planning to increase fares by 20% to 25% from June 1, adding to commuters’ woes.Transport unions said the fare hike has become inevitable due to rising fuel costs. Auto, cab, e-rickshaw, private bus and truck unions have also announced a symbolic protest by suspending operations from 12 noon to 2pm on Thursday.The decision was taken during an emergency meeting of transport unions at Tata Park Auto Stand near Patna Junction on Wednesday against rising diesel, petrol, CNG and spare parts prices, as well as inflation.Union leaders said the continuous rise in fuel prices has made it difficult to operate vehicles. Accusing the govt of being insensitive, they warned that passenger and freight fares would rise further if fuel prices were not reduced.Rajkumar Jha, general secretary of the All India Road Transport Workers Federation, said, “If the govt does not roll back the increased prices, a proposal for a 25% fare hike will be made from June 1. We had already warned the govt to announce a fair hike in the rates according to the routes. However, till now none of the officials have come forward. We are planning a hike that could not add heavy burden on the common people.”Even before the official announcement, auto drivers have increased fares by Rs5 on four major Patna routes — Gandhi Maidan-Patna Junction, Patna Junction-Sheikhpura Mor, Patna Junction-Saguna Mor and Ashiana-Digha Road.Private bus operators will also meet on May 31 at Ramachak Bairia bus stand to take a final decision on fare revision. Chandan Kumar, divisional president of the Bihar State Motor Transport Federation, said bus fares would increase by 15% to 20%. The revised rates will be announced after the May 31 meeting and implemented from June 1.However, bus owners have already increased fares on seven North Bihar routes since May 26. Fares from Patna to Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Triveniganj, Raniganj, Pipra and Jadia have gone up by Rs50 to Rs100.Bihar Motor Transport Federation president Uday Shankar Prasad extended support to the two-hour strike and said transport operations would remain suspended between 12 noon and 2pm on Thursday at Bairiya bus stand and across Bihar.“Earlier, the state transport department had declared a 15% hike in fares of buses operating on different routes. However, we are planning an increase of at least 20% to 25%. The short-route buses will see a 25% increase, while long-distance vehicle fares may rise up to 25%,” he added.