GUWAHATI: The Chakka bandh called by city bus operators under the All Assam Motor Transport Association (AAMTA) has hindered the daily life of bus commuters in Guwahati.
Few of them were late by more than one hour for their offices causing difficulties in their working hours. "I have to reach work at 10. It's already 11 and I am late. The Rapidos are not available as all are opting for them", said a lady in Lachit Nagar bus stop.
Meanwhile, the government-run Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) buses were operational to provide bus services for the citizens. "This is to inform that despite a ‘Chakka bandh’ call by the AAMTA, ASTC and under ASTC buses will continue to run as usual tomorrow also for public convenience", said Anand Prakash Tiwari, MD Assam State Transport Corporation.
However, the ASTC buses were not sufficient to match the demand. Almost all the bus stops were crowded with people waiting for the ASTC buses. In Ganeshguri, a verbal spat ensued between the public and the bus authorities, when the conductor denied taking passengers in lieu of COVID-19 protocols.
Few of the commuters alleged that the ASTC used to carry buses with full passengers but now they have stopped doing it. A retired person further claimed that "ASTC has broken COVID-19 protocols by taking more than 50% passengers and overcrowding them."
Owing to the lack of buses, the public was seen opting for other transport options such as Rapido and Uber, which is not affordable for all. "We have to report for duty and it is not possible for us to take an Auto or Uber. We can only go by bus," said a worker.
The strike was called in after demands were made for fare hike for the commercial vehicles as relief measures from the state government to offset losses suffered due to COVID-19. At present, the buses are operating with 50% of passengers’ capacity with the same fares as earlier. The owners have been critical of this.
G Plus spoke to a city bus owner, Haren Deka, who revealed that the transport business has suffered since the lockdown. "We demand the fare hike so that we can generate the money from the public. If that's not possible then we demand a subsidy from the government."
The state government has intervened in the situation, and will hold a meeting with AAMTA to solve the issue. G Plus spoke to Pradip Das, Chairman of AAMTA who is set to meet the state government on the issue and remains "positive" that a suitable outcome will arrive.
Till then, hundreds of commuters continue to face inconvenience due to the strike.
