Peaceful demonstration to protest pocket-pinching DTC fares

New Delhi, Nov 4 : Students of Delhi University, working women and trade unions today held a peaceful demonstration here to protest the DTC fare hike which came into effect this morning.

Protestors from Centre For Struggling Women(CSW), the youth wing of the Krantikari Yuva Sangathan, various trade unions and Delhi University believed it was an indirect move to further privatise Delhi's public transport.

''Public transport like DTC should remain subsidised.

The average commuter, who belongs to poor working class or lower middle class families, can hardly be expected to pay the revised fares,'' they argued.

The protestors also argued that the ''alleged'' financial losses incurred by the DTC were the result of the government's decision to allow Blueline buses to ply in abundant numbers carrying an overload of passengers.

The agitators opined that the government should not make the average commuter bear the cost of its decision to purchase the low-floor TATA buses.

Claiming that the DTC was under-utilised, they added that on many routes or on certain time of the day, owners of Blueline buses ensured that only their buses were allowed to travel.

In a memorandum submitted to Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, a delegation of the protestors demanded the immediate roll back of the fare hike, removal of Blueline buses and increase in fleet of DTC buses, including U-Specials and Ladies Specials.

They also demanded introduction of a subsidised 'Mazdoor Pass', concessions on DTC Student Pass with setting up of a commission to review the Delhi government's approach towards public transport.

Meanwhile, commuters were left fuming after the hike came into effect.

''In our family where everyone travels by buses, our monthly budget has certainly been affected. The government should realise that average commuters cannot afford this hike,'' Mamta, a housewife, told UNI.

The hike comes amidst sky-rocketing prices of basic commodities.

Rakesh, a wage-labourer, said, ''With prices of vegetables and even milk being so high, I do not know how to manage my household within my limited income.'' Govind, a bus conductor, told UNI, ''Many commuters are not aware of the implementation of the hike from today. They are asking questions about the new slabs which they feel are unfair. They are unhappy with the government but are taking out their anger on conductors and drivers.''