Cab operators take commuters for a ‘ride’

Srinagar, Jul 2: Meant to provide a swift and comfortable commute, the cabs in Srinagar are taking the commuters for a ‘ride’. The growing menace of overloading and frequent unnecessary stops by public transport operators, including cab operators on various city routes at multiple spots, waste passenger time and create congestion at vital junctions.

They said that the issue has become more pressing amid the scorching summer heat. They said cab operators who are supposed to operate non-stop from yard to yard make multiple halts in a bid to fill every seat before moving ahead.

Passengers travelling from Lal Chowk, Exchange Road, and Maisuma towards Hazratbal, Harwan, and other city outskirts said that drivers often stop unnecessarily at places like Nowhatta, Rainawari, and Dargah Hazratbal, causing delays and inconvenience.

“A cab from Lal Chowk to Hazratbal is supposed to run non-stop, but drivers halt at every turn to squeeze in more passengers. It takes double the time to reach our destination,” said Azhar Bhat, an office-goer from Lal Chowk.

Besides frequent stops, they said that the overloading has added to the woes of commuters. They said that cab operators force four people into middle seats designed for three, while some even accommodate extra passengers in front seats, compromising both safety and comfort.

“We are packed like goods, especially during peak hours. The drivers don’t move until they fill every seat, and sometimes they even overload beyond capacity,” said Afiyat Jan, a university student from Hazratbal.

They said that the problem isn’t limited to cabs, as the buses, smart city buses, and e-rickshaws also frequently overload during rush hours, making travel uncomfortable, particularly for female commuters.

“Overloading makes it uncomfortable and unsafe for women, and the frequent stops waste everyone’s time. Many of us rely on public transport daily, and this is becoming a serious issue,” said another commuter from Nowhatta.

Commuters also pointed out that these unscheduled stops contribute to traffic congestion at crucial intersections, blocking roads and causing bottlenecks during busy hours.

Officials from the Traffic Police said that they have been conducting drives against overloading and assured that the issue of frequent, unnecessary stops would also be addressed.

“We have already carried out multiple drives against overloading in public transport across the city. We will also take strict action against cab operators who halt unnecessarily, obstructing traffic and inconveniencing passengers,” said an official.