John Wilbert & Sarthak Kanjilall
Port Blair, July 01: The Andaman Nicobar Private Bus Owners Association has decided to withdraw their services demanding a hike in fares.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha today, the General Secretary, Andaman Nicobar Private Bus Owner Association, Mr. Shiv Kumar said that after being ideal for three odd months due to the lockdown, they got permission to extend the services with fewer trips and minimum capacity.
“Unfortunately due to the tremendous increase in fuel prices we suffered heavy losses as a result of which were forced to take this step since 1st July 2020,” Mr. Kumar said.
Mr. Kumar further said that looking at the hurdles they are facing if the administration considers increasing the fares, they would be in the position to extend the services.
“We also demand the administration to allow the Private Buses ply in the ATR route as they have permitted the STS Buses with limited capacity,” Mr. Kumar further added.
Further highlighting the issues, Mr. Ilaraman, President, Andaman Nicobar Private Bus Owner Association said that they raised their issues of losses with the Secretary Transport twice in written.
“Following this,they called us today and asked to charge Rs. 20 for every passenger whether he/she is traveling a short route or long route.
“In Rs, 20 buses plying in short routes can manage but long route buses cannot, we just demand a fare in which we don’t bear a loss,” Mr. Ilaraman added.
