Won’t start bus services even after Karnataka unlock: private operators

The private bus operators have together taken the decision to not begin the services even post the government has relaxed the imposed restrictions.

In a press release, the Karnataka Private Bus Owners’ Federation president Rajaverma Ballal revealed that the state government had not taken any initiative or relief measures for the private bus operators amid the Covid-19 crisis.

The press release stated, “The government did not come to our rescue even though we have been reeling under crisis for the past one year. While diesel prices have skyrocketed, the government is not permitting to increase the bus fare. We are not ready to suffer more losses. Therefore, the government should call for talks and hear our grievances.”

The press release stated the private bus operators have parked the buses in the shed that the buses are not worthy of use and have presented the document to the transport department for tax exemption. Presently, thousands of rupees need to be shelved to bring the vehicles to operate again.

Over 50,000 workers of private bus transport are in trouble as they will lose the means of employment. The government had initiated various relief packages for various sectors, but nothing for the employees of the private bus staff.

The Federation stated, “We have extended a helping hand when the government was facing trouble. Now it is the turn of the government to pay us back failing which we will not ply the buses.”

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