Bus strike affects road transport in MP

Bhopal, June 10 (UNI) A token strike called by bus and taxi operators in Madhya Pradesh today to demand increase in passenger fare and abolishing three-tier tax system badly affected road transport in the state.

Madhya Pradesh Bus Owners' Association Chairman Shyamsunder Sharma claimed that the strike saw about 37,000 vehicles, including bus, mini bus and taxis pulled off the roads.

These included 1,700 buses affiliated to the Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation, 32,000 buses that ply during fixed intervals on permit, 3,000 city buses and 500 taxis.

He warned that an indefinite strike would be launched from July 1 if their demands were not met. Earlier, bus and taxi operators would hold a meeting to decide their strategy in this regard.

Mr Sharma said passenger fares had not been increased since December 2004, although prices of diesel, tyres and other parts had almost doubled.

He said demand has been made for abolishing three-tier tax system and constituting a body to revise passenger fee on a regular basis.

He added that the strike had the support of all related organisations.

UNI PKJ-PS LS AS1913