Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Apr 6: Private buses will not be supporting the statewide bus strike, which is scheduled on Wednesday, April 7 informed Kuylady Suresh Nayak, treasurer, Karnataka State Bus Owners Federation at a press meet held on Tuesday, April 6 at Udupi City Bus Owners Association office.

“Strike is not a solution for any problems. Let the concerned have discussions with the state government regarding the fulfilment of their demands," he said. Kuylady also urged for the withdrawal of the strike.

"Private transport operators did not stage any strike in critical times in the interest of the public. If public transport operators go on strike, it will impact the life of the people. We are expecting KSRTC to be considerate. There are 8,000 private transport carriers, 20,000 maxi cabs and 4,000 contract carriers functioning across Karnataka."

He also put forth three major demands in front of the government to be fulfilled at the earliest. The first being concession in tax for two months, the second demand being tax concession for all the surrendered buses and the third being the release of 50% of grants to private buses, which will compensate for the concessional tickets for students. It will help in reducing the financial burden on bus owners, he said.

"Private bus operators will support the government during trying times. Around 2,500 private buses are running in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. 17 districts in the state have private bus service. The pandemic caused a financial crisis to all these private bus owners. They did not even have enough money to pay the salary of their employees. Yet, the private transport operators will support and stand by the state government and will provide service whenever required," assured Kuylady Suresh Nayak.

"Private transport operators are facing toll problems in Dakshina Kannada. They are required to pay the toll for every trip regardless of the fact they have passengers or not. This puts a burden on private bus owners. Concession in payment of toll should be given for all those trips mentioned in the permit. Private transport operators do not get special privileges like that of government transport operators. It is necessary that private transport owners receive certain benefits as well," he added.

Sandeep, general secretary, Chandan, treasurer, Sudhakar were present.