Commuters allege sumo drivers for violating SOPs, charging double fare

Yasmeen Manzoor

Srinagar, June 26(KNB): Daily commuters of different areas across Srinagar district opting for sumo vehicles alleged drivers for violating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) by not maintaining social distancing norms claiming that drivers charged close to double the actual fare.

With most of the public transport off the roads amid Covid-19, only SRTC busses and Sumos can be seen plying on the roads, most of the daily passengers choosing sumos for travelling purpose have accused drivers for not following the direction of district administration of carrying passengers of below capacity even after charging extra fair.

As per the order issued by Transport Department the public transporters were allowed for charging 30 percent extra of existing authorized fare by carrying passengers of below its capacity, till further orders or till the restrictions imposed on the seating capacity in view of Covid19 pandemic are eased, however, the passengers alleged that charging extra fair is of no benefit when social distancing norms are not maintained.

“I am working at a private office in Rajbagh area and due to non availability of public transport Metodors I have to go by a sumo, besides carrying all the 9 passengers of its capacity the drivers charge us fair close to the double of actual fair, I pay Rs 20 from Lalchk to TRC centre, where I used to pay only Rs 10,” a daily commuter told news agency Kashmir News Bureau.

“We are not against paying extra charges but when the drivers are completely violating the SOP’s, what is the fun of charging us extra fair. We are also the ones who have been hit worstly during this pandemic as every sector was at halt,” she further said.

Another passenger said, “The government has directed the transport department to charge 30% extra fare while following strict SOP’s that is to carry passengers below their capacity, but the drivers besides charging us extra fare are also at the same time carrying all the passengers thus violating the directions as well as risking our health. We appeal to the higher officials either to charge us an actual fare or to direct the drivers to follow these government orders strictly.”

Pertinently, the Transport Department hiked the fare after transporters complained that they are unable to ferry passengers as per the seating capacity of the vehicle.

Despite repeated calls by the Kashmir News Bureau, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar can not be contacted.(KNB)

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