Joint bus syndicate calls three-day strike from May 22 over declining fleet and toll tax issues

The Joint Council of Bus Syndicates has announced a three-day strike of buses and mini buses from May 22 to May 24. The decision follows a significant reduction in the number of private buses and mini buses since the COVID-19 pandemic, which the syndicate says exceeds the losses caused by the Amphan cyclone. The council had demanded an extension of bus permits for two years to address the shortage. They also raised concerns about arbitrary toll tax collections at multiple locations, which have added to operational challenges. Despite appeals made to the Transport Minister, Chief Minister, and the courts, no response was received, leading to the strike decision.

The syndicate reported that the police have been filing cases against bus operators across different areas and imposing fines without fixed amounts, causing increasing financial losses. Sandeep Sengupta of the Mini Bus Federation has filed criminal complaints against the police regarding this issue. Dilip Saha from the Kolkata School Bus Association stated that many bus owners are unable to repay loans, forcing them to consider selling their vehicles. He also accused authorities of mistreating school bus employees. Saha warned that if the strike does not produce results, more severe measures may be taken.

Pradip Narayan Ghosh, General Secretary of the Joint Council of Bus Syndicates, acknowledged the inconvenience caused to passengers and apologized, but confirmed the suspension of services during the strike days. The strike aims to pressure the government to address the demands related to permit extensions and toll tax collections. The three-day service disruption is expected to affect public transport availability significantly in Kolkata.