Pvt bus operators hike fares sans Govt consent

Puducherry, Aug 18: Irate over 'continuing' silence from the administration on a hike in bus fare for town buses, the operators themselves enhanced the fares with effect from today.

According to private bus operators association sources, the bus fare for town buses had not been hiked for the last six and a half years though petrol and diesel prices were increased several times during the period.

The operators, on different occasions, had put forth the demand to hike the fare which was not considered by the government.

The operators had submitted a memorandum on July 7 and resorted to a one-day strike on July 21.

With no action from the government side, the bus operators were forced to hike the fare themselves,the sources said.

The hikes ranged from 50 paisa to Re 1. With fare hike being implemented,passengers at different places had altercations with the bus crew.

UNI