Overcharging, not issuing tickets:

Stern action awaits errant bus crews

Irangika RANGE

Stern action will be taken against bus employees who are engaged in unlawful practices. The National Transport Commission (NTC) has deployed flying squads to detect irregularities in buses covering all roads, an NTC spokesman said. The NTC made this decision after taking into account many public complaints received from commuters that long distance buses charge exorbitant fares.

The NTC has received the most number of public complaints about long distance private buses (inter-provincial level) regarding overcharging and not returning balance money. The NTC spokesman told the Daily News that 50 percent of the complaints accuse bus conductors of overcharging, not providing the balance money and also bad behaviour. “We want to ensure that bus commuters are not overcharged and licenses of buses charging bus fares in excess of stipulated rates will be cancelled,” he said.

He said that numerous complaints too have been received from commuters regarding unlawful activities of short distance private buses which operate under the supervision of respective Provincial Councils. Short-distance private bus operators always refuse to issue tickets since most of them are not using ticket machines.

Any complaints relating to shortcomings in buses, reckless driving and bad conduct of conductors could be forwarded to 0112 595 555, he added.