Chakka jam cripples bus services

Ranchi: A 24-hour chakka jam called by the Jharkhand bus drivers' association on Thursday left thousands of intercity commuters stranded.
The chakka jam was called to protest the South Chotanagpur regional transport authority's (RTA) directive to cut down the stoppage timing of buses at stands. Buses from eight districts, including Ranchi, Simdega, Chaibasa, Khunti, Jamshedpur, Gumla, Chatra and Lohardaga, did not ply on Thursday as they come under the South Chotanagpur RTA.
One month back, the RTA issued a directive wherein the stoppage time of large buses at bus stops would be reduced from ten to five minutes, and mini buses from five to three minutes.
Krishna Mohan Singh of the bus drivers' association said, "We have been protesting against the directive since it was issued. None of the authorities paid heed to our demands. We have no other option but to protest."
The association members claim that a reduction in stoppage time will incur losses and could possibly lead to accidents. "Since buses are not allowed to halt at a bus stop for a prolonged period of time, passenger numbers have decreased. Most buses leave the stands with empty seats. Most bus drivers and conductors are halting at a distance from bus stands to pick up passengers," said Singh.
RTA secretary Rajesh Kumar Barwar said there have not been any talks with protesters. "The issue might be discussed on Friday," said Barwar. Explaining the reason behind the change in stoppage time, Barwal said, "There has been an influx of new buses, most of them bought on loan by people from middle income groups. To accommodate all buses and avoid confusion, timings were changed. This directive does not only extend to South Chhotanagpur but across the state."
With buses not plying, a majority of commuters were forced to hire private vehicles and auto-rickshaws.