Manipur: Bus owners threaten to stop services

Imphal, Sep 17: Manipur Bus Owner's Association has decided to stop all passenger services from September 22 if there is no hike in the fare.

Priyokumar Singh, president of the association said that the fare must be increased by 30 percent as the present rate is in vogue since March 2005.

The cost of fuel and spare parts of vehicles have sky rocketed hence there is a need to hike the fare, he added.

Vehicle with daily 50 litre intake incurs a loss of Rs 450-550 per day which then amounts to monthly losses of Rs 12,000. With the growing rise in the prices of essential commodities, it really hard for us to make ends meet,'' he said.

The association has decided to stop all services from the midnight of Sep 21 if the government does not effect the hike as the transport department controls the fare in the state.

The association, however, said services for school children will not be affected.

UNI