Shortage of buses hits commuters

Guwahati: Guwahati faced a significant bus shortage on Tuesday, with disruptions expected to continue on Wednesday due to the ongoing panchayat elections. The scarcity of public transport left numerous passengers, particularly students and working professionals, waiting at various city intersections.According to Tamsin Aftab, secretary of DTO-cum-RTA Kamrup (Metro), more than 100 vehicles, including private and ASTC's CNG and electric buses, along with metro sharing taxis, were requisitioned for election duties on Monday. Regular services are anticipated to resume after Wednesday, following the completion of the second phase of panchayat elections.Commuters encountered extended waiting periods and congested buses during rush hours at prominent locations including Chandmari, Zoo Road, Six Mile, and Ganeshguri. Despite the availability of app-based transport services, many residents found them financially unfeasible for daily travel. "Two wheelers that usually cost Rs 120 were charging Rs 250 this morning. It's just not sustainable for a daily commute," said Jayaprakash Kumar, who travels between Beltola and Panbazar.Passengers using the limited operational ASTC AC buses reported similar issues. Jolee Baruah, a frequent traveller, noted instances of overcharging without proper ticketing. "I took a bus from Panbazar to Six Mile. Normally, the fare is around Rs 15 to Rs 20, but today I was charged Rs 30," she said.The reduced bus service resulted in students gathering at bus stops, often dangerously close to the road while attempting to board overcrowded vehicles. "We understand elections are important, but transport is a basic necessity. The govt should have made alternate arrangements for city commuters," said Ananya Sharma, a student of a private college who had been waiting for an hour in the rain. Guwahati: Guwahati faced a significant bus shortage on Tuesday, with disruptions expected to continue on Wednesday due to the ongoing panchayat elections. The scarcity of public transport left numerous passengers, particularly students and working professionals, waiting at various city intersections.According to Tamsin Aftab, secretary of DTO-cum-RTA Kamrup (Metro), more than 100 vehicles, including private and ASTC's CNG and electric buses, along with metro sharing taxis, were requisitioned for election duties on Monday. Regular services are anticipated to resume after Wednesday, following the completion of the second phase of panchayat elections.Commuters encountered extended waiting periods and congested buses during rush hours at prominent locations including Chandmari, Zoo Road, Six Mile, and Ganeshguri. Despite the availability of app-based transport services, many residents found them financially unfeasible for daily travel. "Two wheelers that usually cost Rs 120 were charging Rs 250 this morning. It's just not sustainable for a daily commute," said Jayaprakash Kumar, who travels between Beltola and Panbazar.Passengers using the limited operational ASTC AC buses reported similar issues. Jolee Baruah, a frequent traveller, noted instances of overcharging without proper ticketing. "I took a bus from Panbazar to Six Mile. Normally, the fare is around Rs 15 to Rs 20, but today I was charged Rs 30," she said.The reduced bus service resulted in students gathering at bus stops, often dangerously close to the road while attempting to board overcrowded vehicles. "We understand elections are important, but transport is a basic necessity. The govt should have made alternate arrangements for city commuters," said Ananya Sharma, a student of a private college who had been waiting for an hour in the rain.