SHILLONG: More complaints about overcharging by those running the SPTS buses have come to fore with the passengers travelling in Mawblei-Iewduh route informing that they were charged beyond the original fare for any distance travelled.
These passengers who were earlier paying a minimum of Rs 5, Rs 7 and Rs 8 for short distances are now forced to pay Rs 10 minimum fare. One such passenger said on Monday that she had to pay Rs10 from Mawblei to Fire Brigade after boarding a SPTS bus (ML 01 6816).
“Now there is no difference between the fares charged by the local taxis and SPTS buses as both charge Rs 10 as minimum fare,” she said.
Moreover, from Mawblei to Iewduh, the fare is Rs 15 whereas when a passenger handed over Rs 20 to the conductor of the bus, he claimed that he did not have the change.
When the woman insisted on the change, she had to face the anger of the conductor who asked her to complain to MUDA.
The commuters claimed that this was not the only instance of harassment faced by them along the Mawblei-Iewduh route.
It has been learnt that ill-treatment by bus conductors, extorting fares more than prescribed government rates and not returning changes to passengers is common in the buses on the route. Moreover, tickets are also not issued to the passengers.
The passengers urged the Government to clarify on the minimum fare. They also wanted the Urban Affairs department to display rate cards on buses and at bus stands.
