JAMMU: All J&K Transport Welfare Association has urged upon the J&K Transport authorities to continue 30 % hike in passenger fare as the transporters have suffered massive losses and the Covid restrictions were still going on. Addressing a press conference here, TS Wazir, Chairman, All J&K Transport Welfare Association ( J&K), who was flanked by many transporters and members of the Association including Bus, Mini-bus, Taxi, Truck unions,said that there was strong resentment among the transporters over the order of the J&K Transport authorities in which it has withdrawn 30 % hike ordered in the passenger fare due to Covid few months ago. Wazir claimed that due to continued lock down in view of Covid-19 since March this year, the transporters have suffered huge losses. After long time Govt allowed operation of vehicles with restrictions of passengers and for this 30 % hike in fare was accorded. But now suddenly, the Govt has withdrawn this hike while the Covid was still there and moreover, restrictions have not been lifted fully. He said under such circumstances, the Govt should have continued 30% hike in passenger fare. He pointed out that there was steep hike in price of petrol and diesel during past few months and moreover, the transporters have suffered massive losses due to lock down. Wazir cautioned the Govt to review its decision within couple of days otherwise, the transporters will be forced to launch agitation in the entire J&K UT upto Leh- Ladakh. He also extended gratitude to the Govt for allowing extension of life of the old vehicles up to 25 years and hoped that all other pending issues of the transporters/ operators will be resolved shortly.
