Shimla, July 20,
The Himachal Pradesh Private Bus Operators Association has officially demanded the rollback of the 50 percent fare discount for women, submitting a memorandum to the Chief Minister via the Director of Transport. This critical issue was a focal point of a significant meeting chaired by Transport Director Dorje Shering Negi, which brought together private bus operators to address the pressing challenges facing Himachal Pradesh’s transport sector.
Led by Ramesh Kamal, State General Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Private Bus Operators Association, the operators raised concerns about illegal buses, the financial impact of fare discounts for women, and other operational challenges. Illegal buses, starting their routes prematurely, pose a significant threat by creating unsafe conditions and driving private operators into aggressive competition with HRTC buses. Director Negi pledged strict action against these unauthorized buses to restore safety and order on the roads.
The association, which previously succeeded in extending the bus replacement age from 8 to 12 years, faced a new challenge with the prohibition on purchasing vehicles from other states. Director Negi suggested that this issue be formally addressed to the State Transport Authority (STA) for reconsideration through a separate letter.
To address seating issues, the Director proposed individualized resolutions for urgent cases, with more complex issues to be handled in Regional Transport Authority (RTA) meetings. Additionally, discussions on the transfer of route permits led to assurances that, if legally feasible, these powers could be delegated to Regional Transport Officers (RTOs).
The operators also advocated for a streamlined, single-window tax system to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Director Negi agreed to present this demand to the government, recognizing its potential to simplify operations for bus operators.
The 50 percent fare discount for women on HRTC buses, introduced by the previous BJP government, was a contentious issue. The operators argued that this discount undermines their revenue and operational viability. In their memorandum to the Chief Minister, they demanded the abolition of this discount, warning of drastic measures, including handing over their bus keys to the RTO, if the policy remains unchanged.
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The issue of free bus tickets for women deserverves careful attention. Facilitating mobility for women on one hand encourages their participation in the economy and empowers them. However the state’s constraints in providing adequate services should also be taken into account. Operators should not bear losses because of state policies. A clear financing plan for free tickets for women or other disadvantaged groups should be considered. If necessary, new taxes to support such subsidies should be charged. One example could be levying higher parking charges for private vehicles on the principle that ” parking” is a private and not a public good.
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