GUWAHATI, Sept 11 - The metro share taxis operating in the city have more than doubled the fares, with the sudden hike leaving many commuters wondering if this has been done in consultation with the authorities.
�The share taxi I travelled in today charged Rs 30 for my trip to Maligaon from Jonali, which actually should have been Rs 15. The share taxis are not only charging exorbitant fares but also flouting social distancing norms. Today they are plying with full capacity. The district administration or the transport department must look into this immediately,� said Abhijit Kakati, a regular share taxi commuter.
Stating that the sudden hike is affecting the common people, he said the number of city buses is less nowadays and those who are plying are doing so with 50 per cent passengers. �The commoners are being compelled to travel in the share taxis as they have no other option,� he added.
A driver of a share taxi operating on the Lalmati-Adabari route said they are incurring heavy losses due to the 50 per cent seat rule. �We are bound to increase the fares to meet the expenses, including fuel costs and wages,� he added.
�I travelled from Gauhati Club to Lalmati today and was asked to pay Rs 60. Earlier, it used to be Rs 30,� another commuter, Priya Hazarika, said.
The minimum city bus fare has also been increased to Rs 10 from Rs 7. A source in the transport department said that no one is allowed to charge more and the transporters are allowed to ply with only 50 per cent passengers.
All Assam Motor Transport Association secretary general Pradip Das said he has informed the DTO about the rise in the share taxi fares. �The hike in the city bus fare has minimal effect on commuters. But, the hike effected by the share taxis is totally unacceptable,� he said.
