Debate rages over unilateral hike of fares in passenger transport by AAMTA

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Debate continues to rage over the unilateral hike of fares in passenger transport in the private sector by the AAMTA (All Assam Motor Transport Association), also on Wednesday. Mentionably, the AAMTA had taken this decision in its executive body meeting at Tezpur on August 22. While the Association is firm on its stand on this issue, the AAMTA move has been sharply criticized by the pubic and several organizations.

AAMTA secretary general Pradip Das told The Sentinel, "The decision of the Association had to be taken so that the people engaged in the public transport system get a breather — especially during this COVID-19 pandemic phase. We had approached the State government to hike 70% in the fares. However, the decision of the authorities is pending till date."

On the other hand, the secretary of the Assam State unit of CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions), Tapan Sarma told The Sentinel, "We oppose the AAMTA's move to hike fares of passenger vehicles. At the same time, we urge the government to formulate a package for the owners of such vehicles during the pandemic period. The government will have to take the decision to stem the controversy in the sector.

However, Munin Mahanta — secretary of the Assam State Council of CPI (Communist Party of India) vehemently opposed the AAMTA move on fares. Mahanta said, "Hike of 50% in fares of public transport is simply illogical, we oppose this decision of AAMTA. The Motor Transport Association should review its decision.

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