Mangalore: Heated Debate on Bus Fare Hike, Decision to be Taken Soon
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Jul 16: The proposed hike in bus fare came under severe opposition from the public and various unions at a meeting held at the deputy commissioner's office on Saturday July 16.
As office-bearers of bus owners' association urged and defended the proposed minimum hike in the bus fare during a discussion on revision of the fare of private buses, DC Dr Channappa Gowda said that a decision will be taken after considering every aspect of the fare hike proposal.
The meeting was chaired by DC Dr N S Channappa Gowda, RTO Mallikarjun and SP Laburam.
There was a heated debate between the members of bus owners' association who were in favour of the hike and those against it, mainly the unions and public. The officials urged both sides to calm down and give each other a chance to express themselves.
One citizen noted that fares were hiked just four months ago. "Last year when the price of diesel went down, there was no reduction in fare. The Regional Transport Authority is in favour of bus owners and not passengers or the general public," he said, adding that there was no value for public interest.
Another citizen said that giving the excuse of hike in spare parts is not acceptable as the city has good concrete roads now. Another participant said that though the population has increased from four lac to 11 lac, the number of buses has not increased proportionately and therefore all buses are crowded.
Absence of MLAs, MPs and other people's representatives from the meeting was criticised by the people who said that it was unfair and that they were least bothered about serious issues concerning poor and middle class people.
Hanumanth Kamath, president of Nagarika Hitharakshana Vedike lambasted the private bus service in city and said that ‘stages’ are considered only during the hike of bus fare. But if a passenger boards a bus in Hampankatta to any other place, bus fare from State Bank stop is charged. He said if the private bus owners are unable to serve the public, let them stop their operation and permit be given to KSRTC buses to operate in city.
He also raised the issue of ‘crossing’ taking place in Pumpwell wherein the private buses make the passengers get down and take another bus to State Bank. He said bus operators who indulge in such things have never been questioned and no cases have been registered so far. He said women and children are mainly facing problem with the issue.
Another citizen of Konaje B S Hasanabba Ammembala said that the practice of filing a case against any bus staff within the city limit should be stopped as it causes traffic jams. He said they should be made to pay the penalty once the bus reaches the final destination.
Sunil Kumar Bajal of CITU, DYFI and SFI members also opposed the bus fare hike.
Bus owners’ association officers finally got a chance to speak on the issue. Aziz Parthypady, general secretary, DK Bus Operators Association said that cost of fuel and maintenance has increased considerably. Bus service is a vast and intricate system (private buses have been operating for the last 75 years), hence mistakes and errors are bound to happen, but all the problems will be addressed, he said, pointing out that the tax exemption given to KSRTC bus service is not given to private operators.
DC Dr Channappa Gowda said a decision will be taken keeping in view the concerns of both parties, and according to the guidelines of the goverment. He assured that the price hike, if executed, will be such that it will cause minimum burden to the passenger.
He also said that another meeting will be convened to discuss the issue.