GUWAHATI, Oct 3 - The 24-hour chakka bandh called by the All Assam Motor Transport Association (AAMTA) today evoked mixed response even as various modes of public transport, especially buses, remained off the road.
The AAMTA had called the bandh demanding a 50 per cent hike in the fare of all commercial vehicles in view of increase in fuel price and other related expenses.
�The commercial transport sector in the State is suffering huge losses. The hike in insurance fees, fuel and vehicle prices, coupled with the introduction of GST, has posed a serious challenge for us,� AAMTA secretary general Pradip Das said, adding, today�s chakka bandh was spontaneous despite there being low publicity.
The AAMTA, meanwhile, has also opposed the move of the State transport department to collect a higher amount of penalty against violation of motor transport rules. �The increasing amount of penalty will not decrease the rate of accident. Instead, there is a need to create awareness among drivers and owners,� he said.
