Bus passes not being allowed by private crew

Hyderabad: Commuters who have recently recharged their month-long valid bus passes are upset over the ongoing RTC bus strikes across the state and in the city.

The pass holders are now irked as they have lost money and are forced to pay bus fare even after enrolling for a monthly pass. They have paid 1,000 Rs (metro and RTC bus included) and 800 Rs for general bus pass similarly 450 Rs for student general bus pass.

The city buses are now operated by private bus drivers and conductors who are straight away denying the pass holders and asking them to pay regular bus fares. Sandhira T, a student of St. Francis College, Begumpet, shares, "I have paid almost Rs 500 for a student pass days prior to the strike.

The other day when I was going for college, I showed my pass to the conductor to which he denied and asked me to pay the regular fare. It's a loss for me if I have to pay for daily fare even after enrolling for a monthly pass."

Similarly, private bus service like Setwin have hiked their fares and are now charging double the fare. A journey from Secunderabad station till Punjagutta X Roads usually costs Rs 10, but it is now costing Rs 20.

Sanjay S, a marketing executive, said, "Strike or no strike, either way, the commuters are the ones who are suffering. No one knows when the strikes will get over till then it's a loss for all the pass holders and profit for RTC as they are earning a double profit because of the strikes."

He further added, "I hope the RTC extends the pass validity for those who renewed their pass before the strike so that our money won't be wasted either way we have no other option but to pay double."