People suffer as public transport remains off the road in Guwahati

Guwahati, July 2 (ANI): The general public here on Friday had to face a lot of commutation problem, as the public transport like the city buses and trackers remained off the road.

The public transporters want the general fare price should be increased.

They contend that the government has not ordered any fare hike even as petrol and diesel price have been increased.

Today's protest of public transporters compelled the general public to commute by Aitos and Maruti vans by paying high fares. There were others who were noticed taking to any vehicle for transportation.

Disappointed with the government, the bus and the tracker association raised their fares from July 1 leading to public angst.

On Thursday, the Assam Transport Minister Chandan Brahma said that the fare raised by the bus and tracker owner was illegal and the government would take appropriate measure.

Guwahati has a population of about 1.7 million people and most of the residents travel by public transport.

"Actually I was waiting for the bus. But today all the buses are off the road, and the autos are asking high rates that we can't pay. So, I'm standing here," said Bornali Mech, a local resident woman. By Peter Alex Todd (ANI)