Autobayng News Team
Auto drivers have already raised fares on key routes, while bus operators are considering similar increases amid mounting operating expenses and inflation concerns.“>
The burden of inflation is set to rise further in the state. After repeated hikes in petrol and diesel prices, auto drivers in Patna have already started charging arbitrary fares. Auto, private bus and cab unions are planning to increase fares by 20 per cent to 25 per cent from June 1, adding to commuters’ woes.
Transport unions said the fare hike has become inevitable due to rising fuel costs. Auto, cab, e-rickshaw, private bus and truck unions have also announced a symbolic protest by suspending operations from 12 noon to 2pm on Thursday.
The decision was taken during an emergency meeting of transport unions at Tata Park Auto Stand near Patna Junction on Wednesday against rising diesel, petrol, CNG and spare parts prices, as well as inflation.
Union leaders said the continuous rise in fuel prices has made it difficult to operate vehicles. Accusing the govt of being insensitive, they warned that passenger and freight fares would rise further if fuel prices were not reduced.
Rajkumar Jha, general secretary of the All India Road Transport Workers Federation, said, “If the govt does not roll back the increased prices, a proposal for a 25 per cent fare hike will be made from June 1. We had already warned the govt to announce a fair hike in the rates. However, till now none of the officials have come forward.”
Even before the official announcement, auto drivers have increased fares by ₹5 on four major Patna routes — Gandhi Maidan-Patna Junction, Patna Junction-Sheikhpura Mor, Patna Junction-Saguna Mor and Ashiana-Digha Road.
Private bus operators will also meet on May 31 at Ramachak Bairia bus stand to take a final decision on fare revision. Chandan Kumar, divisional president of the Bihar State Motor Transport Federation, said bus fares would increase by 15 per cent to 20 per cent. The revised rates will be announced after the May 31 meeting and implemented from June 1. However, bus owners have already increased fares on seven North Bihar routes since May 26. Fares from Patna to Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Triveniganj, Raniganj, Pipra and Jadia have gone up by ₹50 to ₹100.
Bihar Motor Transport Federation president Uday Shankar Prasad said transport operations would remain suspended between 12 noon and 2pm on Thursday at Bairiya bus stand and across Bihar.
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