Pvt operators reluctant to ply buses
| Date :01-Jul-2020 |
Buses parked at Nadra Bus stand.
Staff Reporter ;
Private bus operators in Madhya Pradesh deny plying on road saying that operating buses with limited number of passengers would not be feasible to run the vehicle. Bus services were paralysed from city roads during nationwide lockdown. Bus operators said that they have not earned a single penny for three months and in such condition they are unable to pay the tax.
They demanded Government to make them free from tax for three months. However, with unlock guidelines, Government has allowed bus operators to ply on roads with social distancing and other safety measures intact. But bus operators denied to start the service saying that they want tax relaxation. They said when they have not run the buses, why to submit the tax. They said that if they would start plying buses on road, limited number of passengers would travel resulting in big loss.
They said that passengers would not be ready to pay higher amount for travelling the journey. Bus operators said that they are unable to run the buses as they have to face loss only. Bus Association member Lakha Singh said, “Government should keep us free from three months tax as we have not earned during the lock down period. A few operators have more three or four buses and they have to sell the properties for submitting tax.” As private buses are not plying on roads, passengers are facing several inconveniences. Taking advantage of the situation, private autos, taxis and cabs are charging higher from passengers. Taking advantage of the situation private autos and taxis are charging higher price.