Bus organization announces strike from April 1 if 'cash' is not accepted for tolls

A new toll regulation set to come into effect from April 1 has triggered strong opposition from bus operators in West Bengal, who have warned of halting services if cash transactions are discontinued at toll plazas. The directive, linked to the implementation of annual FASTag norms on national highways, will make digital payments mandatory, eliminating cash payments entirely.

Bus owners argue that their operations rely on a daily system where drivers pay toll fees once in the morning and receive a pass valid for the entire day. With the proposed shift to FASTag or UPI-based payments, they claim this system will be disrupted, increasing operational costs and creating logistical challenges, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with digital transactions.

The association has also raised concerns over increased expenses, pointing out that digital transactions may add additional charges, making it difficult for local route buses to sustain operations. They have demanded that route buses be temporarily exempted from the rule, cash transactions be allowed, and toll fee hikes be reconsidered. Additional demands include restricting slow-moving vehicles on highways, preventing parking on service roads, and introducing separate toll lanes for buses.

Issuing a clear warning, the West Bengal Bus-Minibus Owners Association stated that if their demands are not addressed, buses will stop crossing toll plazas from April 1, potentially disrupting public transport for thousands of daily commuters. The association maintained that any inconvenience caused would be the responsibility of the authorities implementing the directive.