EMN
Dimapur, January 28
The carefree and wanton transport fares in Dimapur –the state bus transport services, regional taxis and the uncontrollable auto rickshaw crowd – have now come under the scrutiny of organizations representing the public.
Fuel prices have decreased several times over the past several years yet transporters – especially the unorganized sector such as auto rickshaws continue to milk the public dry for various pretexts such as hike in fuel prices, deplorable roads and sometime seven timings of the day! The wanton and unchecked fares have been one of the most infuriating issues for the common man and have often been neglected by government authorities.Now, the popular mass-based movement Against Corruption & Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) has asked the district transport authorities of Dimapur to review the currently inept transport fares for buses and taxis.
The ACAUT issued a letter addressed to the Transport Commissioner of Nagaland on Wednesday demanding that the transport fares for the NST buses and zonal taxi fares be reviewed and reduced so that a down-line effect in reduction would occur in zonal taxi services and city transports such as auto rickshaws.
“As we all are aware, global fuel prices have come down heavily resulting in reduction of diesel and petrol prices in Nagaland as well. The diesel price has fallen by Rs.10.70 from the peak of Rs. 58.72 during August 2014 to Rs.48.02 at present,” the ACAUT reminded the state department. “Likewise, the major tyre manufactures in India has slashed the price of truck and light commercial vehicle tyres owing to falling of rubber price and oil.”
Even the two most ‘consumable’ items i.e. oil and tyres for running transport have been reduced significantly, the organization reminded.
“You are requested to reduce the fare of NST buses since hike in fuel prices is always the reason for hike in fare rates,” the ACAUT stated.
“Mention may also be made that at no point of time has the fares of passenger transport vehicles been reduced on account of reduction in crude oil prices. At a time of economic hardship in the state, such citizen centric measures will always go a long way in re-assuring the people.”
The ACAUT, being a public movement, has made clear that it would not ‘hesitate to gather public opinion on this issue’ if the transport department does not initiate changes in public interest at the earliest.
“Your willingness to address this issue will also ensure that even the transport operators, Zonal taxis as well as auto rickshaws will follow suit and comply with such measures,” the ACAUT stated.
