Hired crew allegedly making a killing

Jubilee Bus Stand: As the indefinite strike by unions of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation entered its second day, passengers commuting from Jubilee Bus Stand (JBS) complained that they were forced to pay more than the regular fare by the private bus drivers.

And also, the buses were leaving the bus station only after the bus got sufficient passengers like 30 or more.

A bus going to Karimnagar was charging Rs 300 to Rs 400 per person which is twice the price of regular fare of Rs 190. Similarly, buses going to Siddipet and Armoor were charging between Rs 150 to Rs 200 twice the price of the regular fare of Rs 90.

Due to a majority of buses staying off the roads across the State and city have caused inconvenience to commuters, traveling to their native particularly for the Dasara festival has turned a major challenge.

Speaking to The Hans India, S Praneeth, Depot Manager JBS said, "We are hiring bus drivers after checking their original license and conducting a test ride around the depot to see if they are capable of handling the bus as it is a matter of public safety. Compared to the first day of strike, fewer drivers showed up due to which the frequency of buses is very less."

Denying the allegation of charging more, Praneeth said, "We are charging regular prices from all the passengers, no extra fares are imposed. As there are fewer buses today we are not departing buses unless it is full."

Rajini Katta, a passenger traveling to Karimnagar, said she has been waiting since 10 am to board a bus and reach Karimnagar to attend her niece' wedding, I have no no option but to pay more and wait for the bus," she added.

As per the JBS authorities, 30 drivers and 40 conductors showed up to enroll for the second day. Compared to the drivers the number of conductors is more which is causing a delay in the bus departure. The drivers are being paid Rs 1,500 and conductors Rs 1,000 per day until the strike continues.