Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Nov 6: The passengers from several areas of Bandipora on Friday complained that public transport operators plying on the different routes arbitrarily overcharge them, throwing the government fixed fare list to the winds.
The passengers said that the transporters are charging them with double fares, which was in contrast to the government order regarding an increase of only 30 per cent in the existing fares.
“From Bandipora to Sopore, we used to pay Rs 60, now; we are being charged Rs 100 while the authorities have failed to take any action in this regard,” the locals said.
People from Aragam, Aloosa, Kehnoosa, Gundpora, Mantrigam, Sumlar, Nadihal, Dardpora and other remote areas of the district complained of overcharging by transporters, saying that the drivers charge rates that are far more than the fare fixed by the government.
They said that the arbitrary overcharging by the public transporters continues ever since the service was resumed here after COVID-19 lockdown.
Saqib Majeed, a passenger from Khayar said that transporters particularly Sumo drivers have started overcharging, citing excuses of social distancing.
Similarly, Raziya, another commuter was also forced to pay double fare when she was travelling from Bandipora to Ashtangoou in a sumo.
Meanwhile, the passengers urged the concerned authorities to keep regular check on transporters charging exorbitant fare from passengers—(KNO)
In Bandipora, transporters continue to fleece passengers
