Female passengers demand regulation of e-bus service in Srinagar
Srinagar, May 30: Scores of female passengers of e-buses have demanded monitoring of the bus service, alleging that they are not allowed to board the special buses.
They said that despite the government’s much-publicised free travel scheme for female commuters, many are alleging that they are being “deliberately left out”.
The government rolled out an initiative earlier this year, allowing women to travel without paying a fare on all Smart City buses and JKRTC buses. But many women now claim that bus drivers and conductors are refusing to stop buses for them, allegedly because they won’t pay the fare.
“This is an excellent scheme for females, but the failure of authorities to apply it on the ground has made things difficult for us. I have observed several times that the buses don’t stop for us. If the government has rolled out a scheme for us, why aren’t we being allowed to board buses? When drivers of e-buses don’t stop, how can we avail the service?” Fozia, a female passenger, said.
The aggrieved passengers from various parts of the city said that they are being made to wait endlessly or forced to find alternative transport. Many reported missing work, classes, and important appointments due to this issue.
“There are many female passengers who don’t own a vehicle, and they rely on this service. Unfortunately, we are being left stranded when the government has kept the option, given the need for it,” said another passenger.
Social media platforms have also seen a number of complaints from women sharing their daily commuting struggles. Videos have also surfaced where many females alleged that drivers intentionally avoid picking up female passengers.
The aggrieved passenger demanded that authorities intervene to ensure proper enforcement of the free travel scheme.
A concerned official said that there were some complaints that were being addressed. He said that drivers are stopping at designated stops to ensure that everyone is boarded properly.
“If there were some concerns, we have been addressing them. We will take measures to identify designated stops so that drivers don’t have to stop everywhere and passengers are also not left stranded,” said the official.
