Jammu, June 8: Even as Jammu authorities gave a green signal to the movement of buses and minibuses from Monday, transporters refused to start operations due to ‘unreasonable’ restrictions laid down in the fresh standard operation procedures (SOPs) issued on Sunday evening.
“There is no reason to start operation because operating with 50 per cent capacity, without hiking fare, is not viable. We have decided not to ply our vehicles on the roads,” said Vimal Sharma, president of mini-buses union.
“It is very unfortunate that instead of encouraging poor drivers and helpers to earn their livelihood, authorities are compounding their woes,” he added.
As per the fresh SOPs issued by the authorities on Sunday evening, mini-buses, called matadors, will operate with 50 per cent capacity and buses will operate with 67 per cent capacity in orange and green zones on the notified routes only. Only UT-owned State Roadways Transport Corporation buses will be allowed to operate in the red zones.
Although authorities had allowed other passenger vehicles like autos and cabs, there was a ban on mini-buses and buses.
As per official data, 19,092 mini-buses and 13,008 buses are registered with the transport department. These vehicles have not been in use since March 19.
Most of the operators and helpers have limited or no other source of income and have been without work since March 19.
