SHILLONG: Overcharging by government-run SPTS buses and maxi taxis continue to be a daily affair in the city where passengers’ complaints fall on deaf ears more often than not.
The fact that neither the concerned State authorities nor the private operators bother to display fare charts only makes it easier for the erring drivers and conductors to run the show according to their whims and fancies.
According to several passengers this scribe spoke to, gone were the days when they used to pay Rs 5, Rs 7 and Rs 8 respectively for short distances.
“Rs 10 has now become the minimum fare by default,” said a passenger.
Recently a maxi cab charged Rs 10 from some passengers who travelled from Fire Brigade to Barik Point.
When it came to SPTS buses, supposed non-availability of change is conveniently used as a tool to “extort a bigger amount” from the passengers. Moreover, tickets are also not issued to the travelers.
On the other hand, the condition of many of the buses is now no better than their decades old counterparts-the old buses from Iewduh, with lack of maintenance and hygiene being the key issues. Overcrowding in the buses is also a concern according to the passengers.
When contacted, an official said that the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) should take up the matter with the service providers on how to settle issues of overcharging, hostile behavior and issues of cleanliness in the vehicles.
The official also underlined the need to register complaints as many conductors have been suspended in the past after complaints were made against them.
While urging people to come forward and lodge complaints, the official said that the MUDA has a designated team which checks the buses from time to time to ensure that the drivers and conductors do not indulge in irregular activities.
