Guwahatians have complained of a lack of regulation on the plying mode and fares charged by the Tata Magics (shared passenger carrying vehicles) - the widely used form of public transport in the city. Commuters say that they are often overcharged by these minivan drivers over longer distances. The regular passengers also complain of them being rude and misbehaving with passengers.
Nitupan Deka, who travels often on the Jalukbari to VIP Road stretch, told G Plus that he has often been charged arbitrarily by Tata Magic drivers.
"I travel frequently from Jalukbari to VIP Road on Tata Magic and I've seen that the drivers charge excess fare from the customers. They usually target students as maximum students are from outside Guwahati and are unaware of the exact fares along these routes,” said Deka adding that there is an examination centre on the VIP Road where a lot of students come every week to appear for different banking and other examinations.
Deka further informed that the fare is usually Rs 15 from Jalukbari stop to VIP Road but the drivers insist on charging no less than Rs 20.
“When people raise their voice against the excess fare charged by them, they talk to the passengers very rudely. During one instance, I told a driver that I would complain but he said that he wouldn’t budge and I could do as I please,” said Deka.
Animesh Kalitam, a resident of Narengi, who travels by Tata Magic on a regular basis had a similar story to relate.
He said that while the passenger vehicle drivers ply without any trouble during the morning time, evening travel become troublesome for passengers.
“They bully the customers and say that there’s no stoppage at certain places and thus they won’t stop if we pay them the standard amount. They demand higher fares,” mentioned Kalita.
He further added that he has often gotten into quarrels with the drivers but to no avail.
“They just don’t listen and most of the time sport a foul mood. So many passengers do not confront them,” said Kalita.
On the other hand, as per authorities, the last fare revision of these passenger vehicles took place in 2012.
Secretary of Regional Transport Authority, Bapan Kalita, said that while there are regulatory mechanisms in place to check the plying of Tata Magics, they have received several complaints against these drivers.
“District transport office has the authority to take action against them and they would do it if they find it appropriate,” said Bapan Kalita.