SRINAGAR: Even as the authorities claimed to have taken action against the transporters for fleecing the passengers, the local passengers here have accused the local cab drivers and mini bus owners of fleecing them.
The public transporters especially in Srinagar continue to fleece passengers with authorities concerned taking no action despite assurances to people.
As per new hike, upto 3 kilometers, the fare was hiked from Rs 4.99 to 6; upto 5 it was increased from Rs 8.33 to Rs 9; upto 10 km fare was hiked from Rs 10 to Rs 11; upto 15 kms from Rs 11.67 to Rs 13; upto 20 Kms from Rs 14.99 to Rs 17 and beyond 20 kms the fare will be hiked as per range and destination.
However, the passenger vehicles including buses, minibuses, cabs, taxis, and autos are charging exorbitant fare in contravention to the order.
Passengers complained that the transporters are charging as per their own whims after the hike was ordered by the government.
“Sumos cabs have increased the fare by Rs 10, buses, minibuses and autos by Rs 5. This is violation of the order. The government should immediately address the issue,” a passenger told Street Times.
The passengers said that with continuing rise in petrol and diesel prices, the conductors and drivers operating passenger busses and sumos for ferrying people to their destinations are charging fares on exorbitant rates much more than the rates fixed by the transport department.
The complainants alleged that they had brought the cash fleecing practices of sumo and bus drivers and conductors even to the notice of Governor’s advisors during public hearings but the government has given almost a license to the sumo and bus drivers and conductors to fleece the gullible travelers in busses and sumos.
Meanwhile, a top official in RTO said that they have already started drive against the transporters who are fleecing the passengers.
“So far, many transporters have been fined for asking exorbitant fare from the passengers,” he said.