The bus fare in the State is likely to be hiked shortly with the Transport Minister Subrat Tarai on Saturday inviting the private bus operators for a discussion on their demand for hike in fare.
“We are ready to hold a discussion with the Private Bus Owners’ Association on the fare hike demand.” said Tarai. However, the Minister did not reveal when the discussion would take place. Notably, the All Odisha Private Bus Owners’ Association (AOPBOA) has threatened to stop bus services from August 26 till fulfilment of its demand.
The association’s ultimatum said the passenger transport system in the State would be crippled by withdrawing more than 12,000 buses if the demand is not met by August 25. Association spokesperson Debasish Nayak said, “last month, when we approached the Government for fare hike, we were assured that the matter would be considered after the Rath Yatra. But no step has been taken in this regard even after a month.”