In a recent meeting of various local transport unions in Dehradun, the members decided to approach the State Government to allow the operation of electric buses in the external areas of the city only citing the reason that e-buses are causing extensive loss to the other local public transport operators. The unions including Doon Auto Rickshaw Union, Tata Magic Association, Dehradun City Bus Union and Vikram Union also stated that the movement of e-rickshaws should also be regulated as per the rules. The president of the city bus union, Vijay Vardhan Dandriyal alleged that the government has intentionally kept the fares of the e-buses low in order to gradually wipe out the other public transport options for the people. "The minimum fare of an AC electric bus that worth over Rs one crore is Rs 10. You would probably not find such low fare anywhere in the country for an AC public transport," stated Dandriyal. Ganesh Babu from Tata Magic Association opined that there are only five e-buses that are currently operating in the city but if the remaining 25 start operating as per the plan of Dehradun Smart City Limited (DSCL), other local public transport would vanish. "Why would a passenger sit in our vehicles if he or she can sit for the same or lower price in an AC bus? Also, the e-rickshaws are also violating the notification issued by the government for their operation across the city. They are not allowed to operate on several main routes but the e-rickshaws are operating across the city and the authorities are doing nothing," said Babu.
Meanwhile, many locals believe it is good to have options in public transport which are budget-friendly as well as eco friendly. "I have travelled in e-bus for about five days to go to my office when my scooter broke down and I loved it. It did not make loud noise like city buses or Vikrams and felt really comfortable and that too for really cheap fare. I would like to use the e-bus if it is not crowded after the Covid-curfew is lifted," said local resident Preeti Sharma. However, some opined that it can lead to the unemployment of other local operators. "I know that e-buses are really good and when more such buses will run here, everyone would prefer them over other vehicles. This might lead to unemployment of other transport operators in the city," said law student Dewas Varma. He said that operators of city buses, Vikrams and auto rickshaws need to make improvement in their vehicles and provide better services to passengers. "The operators of local public transport have been taking passengers for granted for years. We see dirty and overcrowded buses all the time and the auto rickshaw drivers charge a hefty amount even for short distances and we paid for it because we didn't have any other option," said Varma.
On being asked about this, Dandriyal responded that it is not easy for private operators to maintain vehicles like e-buses. He said, "The government bears all the expenses of e-buses which are free from any taxes while the private operators pay all kinds of taxes and insurance fee to the government and still bear the loss. Due to this, we fail to make any improvement in our vehicles." Meanwhile, the union members informed that they will approach the State Government after the Covid curfew with their issues and demands. If the government fails to resolve the issue, all unions will go on strike.