Hyderabad: The Telangana State Hired Bus Owners Association has called off its proposed strike from Friday after the TSRTC decided to form a committee to resolve the issues emanating from the Maha Lakshmi scheme for free bus travel, by January 10.
The association, with 2,700 bus owners, highlighted five issues, with regard to fuel and maintenance charges, among others.
The association said the rate given by the TSRTC falls as the distance travelled increases. “We are seeking a hike of Rs 3 per km as the maintenance cost has increased owing to overloading,” the association said. It said the wear and tear of various parts including clutch plates, tyres, gearboxes, springs, joints, window glasses had increased.
With more passengers travelling, the association said, the running time of drivers had increased by three hours to 15 hours. “They are forced to work for longer and expect more pay. In view of these costs we have asked for a hike of Rs 3 per kilometre. On an average, an owner earns Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,000 per bus per day and we have to take into account driver wages, insurance, repairs, EMIs and maintenance within this amount,” the association said.
The vehicle owners are paid Rs 11 up to 300 km for Palle Velugu services, Rs 9 for Express, Rs 14 for City Express and Rs 13 for Metro Express services. They are seeking a Rs 3 hike per km across the board.
The fuel consumption of buses had fallen from the RTC standard at 5.5 km per litre to 4.5 kmpl, also due to overloading as more women were travelling now.
The association said the RTC would will take the burden of insurance of passengers beyond the seating capacity of the bus.
The RTC buys tyres in bulk at Rs 36,000 per pair, against the market rate of Rs 46,000. “We asked the RTC to supply us tyres at the same rate,” the association said.
The bus owners met transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar and sought resolution of their problems. The minister spoke with TSRTC managing director V.C. Sajjanar and ordered the formation of a committee to examine the demands.
