Navi Mumbai: Pvt bus operators double fares for Diwali

Be ready to pay more if you plan to travel in private luxury buses this Diwali. Private bus operators have hiked rates by as much as 75% across all routes to make the most of the holiday rush.

A ticket to Kolhapur, normally in the range of Rs300 - 350, will now cost you around Rs500-550 per person, while a ticket to Aurangabad, normally costs around Rs700 is coming at almost double the price.

“Though the state road transport corporation has deployed additional buses into service, the holiday rush is making it tough for passengers to secure reservation. Since one is required to book a train ticket nearly 3 months in advance, a lot of travel enthusiasts are left with no option but to depend on private bus operators, who charge almost double,” said Sharad Kadam, a resident of Vashi.

On one hand, people are complaining about the high prices, while on the other, tour operators say that this is the only time when they can make some money. “People complain of high rates during vacation time, but it is during only this time that we get to make some money. Other times our buses run empty, and we still have to pay heavy taxes to the state government and salaries to our employees. Nobody says anything when they get to travel for almost 50% less in an A/C Volvo bus other times. We can charge less if the government takes steps to cut down on taxes during off season,” said a tour operator from Vashi.

Some residents referred to these tactics of the tour operators as “blackmailing”. There are others want a strong government intervention wherein there should be a cap on the amount charged.

However, operators said if  government puts a cap on the fares, it should also provide subsidies to operators during the slack season or give tax rebates.

Even private taxi operators are encashing on the festive period and have jacked up the rates per kilometer during the Diwali period. “Diesel rates are steadily increasing, and it is not possible to serve customers at low rates. Also, we are in demand only during vacation time, rest of the time we are sitting idle,” said JS Joshi, who runs a tourist taxi business.

An official from the transport department said, “There is no provision to control the fares charged by private bus operators.”

Earlier, in its submission before the Bombay high court, which was hearing the PIL on high fares charged by private bus operators during vacations and festive period, the state government said fares are decided on the basis of demand and supply and commuters’ comfort.