Bengal bus owners urge rate hike, 6–8 phase polling for smooth election transport

The West Bengal Bus & Minibus Owners' Association has sent a reminder to the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, seeking an increase in hiring charges for buses and minibuses, along with enhanced tiffin allowance for staff, ahead of the 2026 Vidhan Sabha elections. In a letter dated 29/01/2026, the association said it had earlier appealed for a revision of rates but had received no response so far.

In its proposal for the 2026 elections, the association has sought an increase in bus hiring charges (excluding fuel) from Rs. 2,530 to Rs. 3,200, and for minibuses from Rs. 2,090 to Rs. 2,800. It has also demanded that the tiffin allowance for each staff member be raised from Rs. 250 to Rs. 500, while maintaining the night halt charge at Rs. 300 per night. The association stated that rising operational costs necessitate the revision.

Additionally, the body has requested that the Assembly elections be conducted in a minimum of six to eight phases to ensure smooth transportation services across the state. The association has expressed its willingness to meet the Chief Electoral Officer personally to discuss and resolve the matter, similar to previous years.