BENGALURU: The Transport Department has received a series of complaints from the public about steep hike in private bus ticket fares. Alerted by this, the department has planned to take strict action against travel agencies and ticket booking offices.
“Travellers have had issues as a result of the private bus operators jacking up ticket prices during Ganesha Chaturti celebration. We have formed a special team to look into this issue, and we have registered about 400 cases against private bus owners. For the Dasara festival, we had formed 12 squads in the city to inspect the vehicles. The department will issue notices to private bus owners who violate the rules and regulations under the Motor Vehicle Act. In the event of continued violations, fines will be imposed and road permits will be suspended or even cancelled”, said C Mallikarjuna, Additional Commissioner for Transport (Enforcement) (South).
“Section 93 of the Motor Vehicle Act mandates that the agents for app-based ticket booking services obtain a canvasser’s licence. If they fail to do so, we will take appropriate action. Private bus owners will be given a chance, but if they violate the norms, we will also take strict action against them. We will convene a meeting with private bus owners to discuss the ticket price increase, rules and regulations as well,” he added.