PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The disruption of the Smart City electric bus services due to the continuing conductors’ strike that began on Monday has landed the daily commuters in trouble. They said that the abrupt disruption has disrupted their daily travel, too. They further said that they suffer all the more because they are being deprived of comfortable travel. “The electric buses are air-conditioned. The sweltering heat has added to our ordeal,” said a daily commuter who used to travel in e-buses. They urged the authorities to resolve the issue at the earliest.
Notably, many people, particularly senior citizens, college students and women, who prioritise safety and comfort, rely on these buses daily. They are now being forced to commute in Vikrams and non-AC transports.
A daily commuter from the city, Shivam Nanda said that his coaching institute is located near Rajpur Road. “I prefer electric buses for a more comfortable journey compared to other public transport options. However, due to the work boycott by the conductors since Monday, I have been facing difficulties in travelling to my coaching institute. Although, perforce, I had opted for Vikrams, I find them quite uncomfortable. The sooner the service resumes, the better for us,” he said.
Another e-bus commuter, Veena Kaushal echoed the same concerns. “On Thursday, some emergency made me visit my brother’s house. I was unaware of the electric bus service suspension and so I waited at the stop for 20 to 25 minutes. Then I learnt why the buses were not coming. Left with no other option, I had to choose other public transport, which proved quite uncomfortable, particularly because of the humid heat we have been grappling with,” she said.
Many other passengers expressed similar concerns and urged for a quick resumption of the service.
Meanwhile, the conductors of the Smart City electric buses in Dehradun continued with their work boycott stir on Thursday. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one of the protesting conductors said that the authorities had assured in the month of March to meet their demands. “Currently, we earn around Rs 23,000, but after deductions, the take-home pay is around Rs 20,000, which is insufficient to support our households. Despite the assurances, no action has been taken,” he complained.
Speaking about their demands, the conductors said that their salaries have not been revised in four years and they receive salaries late. Furthermore, a few days ago, the authorities suspended a bus conductor despite his apology for a mistake. The conductors indicated that they will continue their strike until the suspended conductor is reinstated and their salaries are increased.
This correspondent attempted to contact the official concerned repeatedly for a comment on this issue, but he did not answer the call.
