Staff correspondent
Port Blair, Nov 12: Steady downward revision of fuel prices by the Union Government in the recent months has led to the demand for reduction in bus and auto fares in these islands. But, the State Transport Authority, it appears, is in no mood to consider the revision of the notified fares as no steps have been taken in this regard as yet.
After the hike in petrol and diesel prices by the previous government, the STA within no time hiked the fares of government and privates buses in this territory. Autorickshaw Unions followed the suit and held widespread demonstrations to get the auto fares hiked. But even after considerable reduction of fuel prices recently, neither the Bus Associations, Auto Unions nor the STA embarked on steps to slash the fares of public transport means.
Commuters depending on public transport like Buses and Autos have started raising voices demanding slash in fares after the reduction of fuel prices.
“Bus and auto fares have been increased significantly in the recent years after hike in fuel prices by the government. But there has been no move to cut the fares even after huge reduction in cost of fuel recently. STA should immediately act to reduce the fares as the current fuel price cut is not enough to call for a revision. In future too, autos and the bus operators should reduce the fares immediately in tune with a formula linked with the oil price,” says Dipankar a resident of Manjery.
The State Transport Authority should develop an automatic fare revision formula for buses and autos in these islands and their fares should be revised immediately after reduction or hike in oil prices. Just as fares of public transport are hike after increase in oil prices, a mechanism should be devised to provide relief to the common masses immediately after fuel prices are slashed.
good suggestion …