Transport dept submits report to govt on fare hike issue

Transport dept submits report to govt on fare hike issue
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JUNE 15
Although private bus operators have demanded for ticket fare hike, the transport department has put the ball in state government’s court to decide on the same.
Outgoing Transport Director Swapnil Naik said that he has submitted the detailed report to the state government without specifically recommending anything on hike issue.
“It’s the decision that government has to take. I have given my opinion but not a recommendation as such,” Naik told Herald.
The private bus operators in the state had demanded a hike in a bus fares by 0.20 paisa, after diesel price went up by Rs 2.72 per litre.
 “I have given the progress report of 2008-09 to the government. The report mentions about hike in ticket fares, which are offered to transporters, whenever need arose,” Naik said.
Meanwhile, sources confirmed that Naik in his proposal has said that immediate ticket hike is not possible as the private bus operators earn much more than the expectations.
The state transport department says that since private buses are overloaded, 80 percent private bus operators are in profit. However, bus operators claim that rise in diesel prices is forcing them to eke out Rs 120 per day in additionally.
The statistics reveals that transport department collects Rs 120 crore as revenue annually. There are no figures available on how much revenue is contributed to transport department by private buses.
Bus operators, however, claim that they contribute around Rs 15 crore to the state coffers every fiscal.
Naik said that due to the subsidy given by the state government, the number of private buses in the state has increased. 
‘SARATHI’ SOFTWARE: The transport department today started the process of implementing ‘Sarathi’ software in their ADT office Panjim.
 Director of Transport Swapnil Naik said that it’s a long process but the department has begun to execute it from today.
 The ‘Sarathi’ software will be implemented for issuance of computerized driving license to the citizens. It will also include fresh learner’s license, renewal of license, duplicate license, etc.