SHILLONG, JULY 13: The government-run-public transport vehicles Shillong Public Transport Service (SPTS) buses and Shillong Supplementary Public Transport Service (SSPTS) have come under attack for allegedly over-charging passengers on a plea of ‘shortage of change’ irking commuters in the capital.
The allegation of overcharging was made by Hynniewtrep People’s Federation (HPF) – Mawlai Circle delegation in a memorandum submitted to the state’s urban affairs minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and sought her intervention on the issue Monday.
According to the HPF, the overcharging of passenger fares by the Shillong Public Transport Service (SPTS) buses and Shillong Supplementary Public Transport Service (SSPTS) has irked the public especially the poor.
“In the name of shortage of monetary denominations, the conductors of these public transports failed to return the exact change or balance amount back to the passengers,” HPF – MC president Kitboklang Lyngdoh told newsmen.
Citing an example, Lyngdoh said several complaints have come from the public that these public transports are taking round figure of Rs 10 from the passengers who are travelling from Mawlai Nongkwar (pump) to Mawlai-Nonglum.
Stating that the distant from Nongkwar to Nonglum is just 150 meters, Lyngdoh said the actually rate fixed by the government it is just Rs 5.
“Now just because of this excuse (no change), the public have to pay more,” Lyngodh said adding “For a passenger coming from a poor family background, a five rupees extra charged is lot.”
HPF suggested that the department introduce ‘slip or a token’ system to compensate to the public commuting in the different areas of the city.
Therefore, Lyngdoh said, as a measure to resolve this problem, the HPF urged the minister to consider introducing a slip or a token system wherein the details of the remaining amount is reflected.” According to him, this token or slip can then be produced by the passenger to the conductor when he again travels on such government vehicles.
Lyngdoh said the HPF also requested that the token may be allowed to be used in different SPTS and SSPTS, which will be very convenient as well as functional arrangement.- By Our Reporter
+ There are no comments
Add yours