Passengers in distress again

The tussle over the bus fare has once again come into existence as the reports regarding the transporters charging extra fare from the passengers surfaced yet again. There is no iota of doubt that the transporters have suffered huge losses in the last two years, but it also cannot be denied that the passengers who use to travel in these public transports too have suffered badly. Covid situation has affected one and all. There is no difference between anyone. Everyone is a sufferer and must not be pushed to the wall. However, the transporters, who have been allowed to ferry the passengers again to earn their livelihood are allegedly charging double rates as fare from the passengers, thus leaving them to the lurch at large. The passengers travelling from Srinagar to different parts of Kashmir and vice-versa as per reports have claimed that the issue of charging exorbitant bus fare by the transporters is being ignored. There has been some concession from the government side to the transporters as they are being allowed to ply with only 50 per cent seating capacity. But, a look at the busses clearly indicates that there is no one to pay heed to the government norms, but at the same time, there has been no relaxation from charging double rates from the passengers. There is a need to look into the matter and ensure that the passengers are not forced to face hardships any further and those involved in charging extra fare must be dealt with strictly as per the law.