Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the Collector, Divisional Commissioner, Police Commissioner and Regional Transport Officer (RTO), highlighting multiple issues in the district’s suburban bus services.
The memorandum alleges that fares fixed by inter-city and suburban buses are being violated. Media in-charge of ABGP Manoj Panwar said, ‘For example, Mhow–Indore route’s actual fare is Rs 25, but passengers are charged Rs 40 which goes up to Rs 50 for early morning, late-night or special service.
Similarly, fare for Indore–Pithampur route is Rs 27 which is often charged Rs 50.’ We have demanded that official fare charts be displayed inside buses and at designated stops to curb overcharging, Panwar added.
Other concerns which were highlighted in the memorandum include over speeding by drivers, posing risk to passengers and commuters; failure of staff to follow the prescribed dress code; non-issuance of travel tickets; and non-compliance with fire safety equipment requirements.
It also cited conductor’s rude behaviour towards passengers protesting overcharges, overloading, lack of first-aid facilities and buses operating without proper insurance, fitness certificate, permits or standard number plates.
The ABGP has also urged authorities to display the contact number of a responsible officer inside and outside each bus in large, legible letters for lodging complaints.
ABGP leaders including Mehtab Singh Kourav, Manoj Panwar and others were present during the submission of the memorandum.
