Inquiry indicts city bus operator

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 17

The Ludhiana City Bus Service Limited (LCBSL) has found in its inquiry that the private operator running the vehicles of the company had charged ‘increased fares’ without approval. The LCBSL manager has written to the Municipal Commissioner to issue a notice to the company for charging fares more than the prescribed rates.

Horizon Connect Transways Private Limited, a private firm that operates the city buses, had sent a proposal to the authorities to increase the fares. The firm claimed to have been facing financial losses in view of the increasing diesel prices.

According to the LCBSL, no approval has been given to the firm to collect increased fares.

In a report dated June 7, The Tribune highlighted fleecing of passengers by the private bus operator. The LCBSL manager, Baljeet Singh, had marked an inquiry to the official concerned.

Baljeet said: “No approval has been granted to the operator for increasing the fares so far. The official checked the ticket machines and found that the passengers were charged increased fares. I have sent the report to the Municipal Commissioner, requesting further action in this regard.”

On Saturday also, the city bus staff charged increased fares. A passenger said: “I was charged Rs7 for travelling between Aman Nagar (near Jassian Chowk) and Clock Tower on Saturday. Earlier, Rs5 was charged for the same route.”

Meanwhile, Baljeet said: “If they are still charging increased fares, I will check it. However, the firm has been directed to set old fares on ticketing machines.”

Municipal Commissioner Jaskiran Singh said: “We will take necessary action after getting the report.”