Kolkata: Diesel Costlier elbows ‘60% of personal buses’ from the road, paralyzing public transportation in the city and other states.
The number of taxis also dropped significantly, forcing people to choose a car or taxi connection, which in turn pushed commuter costs four to five times the bus rates.
Diesel prices in Kolkata are ready to cross the century sign.
When the government announced the Kuncian in March 2020, Diesel prices were Rs 64.65 per liter.
The lower bus frequency is to leave commuter in trouble in the city even when the office is opened on Monday.
The bus has limited their journey to almost two in a day with the owner said that ticket sales remain below RS 5,000 (one km now cost Rs 52 compared to RS 39 in 2018 when the cost is revised), lower than the operating costs.
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Some bus operators want to transfer to a favorable route.
On Monday, commuters had to wait long to get the bus on their route and they found it difficult to travel with a crowded bus.
“We returned to the late 70s and 80s when the bus was so crowded so that ordinary people jostled to manage feet inside.
But now it’s dangerous because of a pandemic,” said Rabin Ghosh, an accountant with the company trade.
Those who dare not jostle with busy buses, paid through their noses.
“Over the past few days, I have been going to the office with bicycle-taxis and spending almost five up to six buses,” said Upal Sen, a private insurance company employee.
12C operators that have four different routes only run 86 of 188 buses.
Thirty eight buses from 130 bombarded the route 18.
SD-8 which has 55 buses in the fleet operated only four.
Bus operators route 007, 75, 83 and 17B each give five buses.
“We continue to meet with the Senior Transportation Department officials and the Minister of Transportation for the past year but there is no point in,” said Tapan Banerjee, Secretary of the Syndicate Bus Board.
“Diesel prices that skyrocket have regarding public transportation because bus operators are not interested in investing in compliance with BS-VI emissions norms, which will be charged the operator of Rs 20 Lakh (basic model) compared to RS 13 Lakh for BS-IV buses.
Not operators The single bus has bought a new bus since March in 2020.
The crisis will increase after most buses to 15 years will be canceled, “said Tadang Saha, Secretary General, Suburban City Bus service.
The state government is thinking about alternative fuels such as CNG and electric vehicles.
“But there are no operators who can invest RS 6 lakh for conversion of bus machines from Diesel to CNG.
In addition, CNG fuel filling infrastructure is at a newborn stage here,” Banerjee said.