GUWAHATI: The indefinite Chakka Bandh called by the All Assam Motor Transport Association (AAMTA) hit the normal life in the state on its second day. The association said that it would continue its strike till the government doesn’t accept its demand to hike the bus fares.
AAMTA president Ratul Sarma said that government should allow the bus owners to double the fares as they are affected by COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are carrying 50 per cent passengers. So our fares should be doubled,” Sarma said.
“We demand tax remission since the vehicles could not ply for a long period of time,” he added. Sarma stated that bus owners have been facing acute problems due to the government’s protocols to carry 50 per cent passengers. He also claimed that bus owners belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL).
Meanwhile, commuters all over Assam faced a lot of inconveniences on the second day of the strike.
“I will go to Nagaon from Biswanath. We went to the medical to treat my sister and now we are trying to return home but there is not even a single public transport available,” said a woman in Biswanath District.
“We have been waiting since 07:00 AM. We will be going to Gohpur. The association has demanded a 100 percent rise in bus fares. We, the normal people, will face a lot of issues if the vehicle fares are increased,” said another woman.
It is to be mentioned that the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) is operating 650 buses across the state but still it is not sufficient for daily commuters.
“The number of buses of the ASTC is not sufficient for Guwahati only. So, the government should chalk out a solution with the bus owners. We have been facing a lot of problems,” said another passenger.
