Lack of cab service

The lack of cab service during peak hours, particularly mornings, on various routes in Srinagar city irks the commuters.

The commuters say that a number of cab yards at Maisuma, Exchange Road and other places wear a deserted look during peak hours of the morning due to non-availability of the cabs. In absence of the cabs huge rush of waiting commuters is seen in the deserted yards.

Whenever a cab reaches the yard the commuters have to struggle to get a seat. While some of them succeed, others are unable to get a seat. This happens every time a cab reaches the yard. Subsequently, the commuters including office goers and students get late.

The government employees do not reach offices in time and have to suffer. Same is the case with others working in private offices. Students also miss early classes. The introduction of e-buses also known as smart buses had solved the transport related problem of the people to some extent in the city. But such buses do not operate on all routes.

In absence of cab service on such routes during peak hours adds to the problem of commuters. The concerned authorities must take up the issue of lack of cab service with the transporters. The transporters must be told to keep the service available so that the office goers, students and others do not suffer.

Since the spring has set in, keeping cabs available on these routes will not be difficult now. Usually in winter the transporters start their operations slightly late due to cold. Since weather conditions have improved now, the transporters too must start early so that the commuters do not face problems unnecessarily.

All such routes must be identified and necessary steps taken to solve the problem of the people. There is also a need to operate e-buses on more routes. The routes which are still uncovered must be covered. More buses should be added to the fleet.

The e- bus service has evoked a significant response from the commuters and has been popular among the commuters. But overloading in such buses must be avoided. The e-buses must have designated stops to prevent unnecessary traffic jamming. Public transport system needs further improvement to end the inconvenience being faced by the commuters.