Sans checks, bus fares leapfrog
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 23, 2011:
In the absence of any responsible authority to check bus fares, inter-State bus service operators have been charging bus fares at their own whim, often multiplying it double or triple times.
Taking strong exception to this practice of fixing fares at the whim of the transporters, passengers have sought attention of the Government to fix the fares at a reasonable rate.
Taking advantage of the Christmas season and winter vacation, fare for Imphal-Guwahati bus service has been increasing day by day.
At the moment the bus fare for a single trip between Imphal and Guwahati has leapfrogged to Rs 1500 per passenger which was only Rs 700 some days back.
Moreover, those manning bus ticket counters have been taking fares at their own sweet whims from passengers seeking tickets for urgent purposes.
Not only that, the buses are carrying extra passengers beyond capacity by accommodating passengers on the foot corridors and cabins inside buses.
Passengers who have to travel all the way from Guwahati to Imphal sitting or standing on the foot corridors are charged fares ranging from Rs 700 to Rs 1000 .
In addition to charging inflated fares, carrying extra passengers beyond the seat capacity has been causing serious inconveniences to passengers who have sought the immediate attention of the Government.
There are a number of bus service agencies between Imphal and Guwahati.