Private operators rule the roads as the bus strike continues

Bengaluru: The transport strike will enter its 11th day on Saturday. In the midst of the pandemic, commuters are facing severe difficulties due to the strike as they are being compelled to travel in private buses and other vehicles.

The government and the employees in the strike have not come to good terms over the crisis yet.

There are many complaints against private operators for not following the Covid protocols, yet the transport department officials are not bothered about the violations. They fear that private operators might not run buses if any action is taken against them. Patients travelling from other districts to Bengaluru are finding it difficult to go to hospitals due to the lack of buses by STUs.

Despite many tactics used by the STUs against the striking employees, only 30% of the buses were operational till Friday.

The government is likely to take harsh steps after the bypolls end on Saturday. The delay in ending the strike is observed as a loss of face for deputy CM and transport minister Laxman Savadi. The public is criticising the government for not taking proper action.

Laxman Savadi has been issuing orders for the workers to return to work but many of them are of the view that there have been no sincere efforts to resolve the issue.

Many working-class people such as street vendors, domestic workers, pourakarmikas, security staff, construction workers and garment workers who are dependent on buses are now facing hardships as they cannot afford to travel in private vehicles. Some of them are even walking or cycling for long distances.

“Salaries and jobs of domestic workers have already been affected due to the pandemic. Now, many are forced to pay double for transportation”, said Geeta Menon of Domestic Workers’ Rights Union.

” It’s been more than 10 days and the CM and transport minister have been busy campaigning for the bypolls. Transport is a basic right. Livelihoods of many people have been affected due to this strike”, said Vinaya Sreenivasa of Bengaluru Bus Prayaanikara Vedike.

As there is a limited number of buses by STUs, Kempegowda bus station (BMTC) and Majestic bus stand (KSRTC) near Gandhinagar is likely to be dominated by private operators now. On Friday, it was found that some cartels decide which buses should enter the terminals and pick up commuters. Apart from restricting other private vehicles, they threaten BMTC and KSRTC crew to pick up passengers. Rajesh P, a passenger said, “I’ve never seen Majestic like this. They are dictating terms and conditions. This has to end.”