Guwahati: Public transport operators in the city have said they are unwilling to raise transportation fares despite another immediate surge in fuel prices, fearing it could drive away passengers struggling with rising living costs.State transport minister Charan Boro, while speaking to the media on Tuesday, said, “We urge the public to reduce the use of private vehicles and start using public transport and trains.” He also said MLA convoys have been reduced and departmental meetings shifted online to reduce dependency on fuels.Auto operators highlighted that fuel price increase has severely affected their daily earnings, and increasing fares may lead to a drop in commuters opting for public transport.Bishnu Das, an auto-driver, said, “Even if we want to increase the fare, customers often refuse to pay more even if they know the current situation.” He said drivers often bear significant costs for their vehicles, including routine maintenance costs, paperwork, fitness certificates, insurance premiums, fuel expenses, tolls, and parking fees, ammounting to a minimum of Rs 20-25,000 per month.Drivers also highlighted that the cost of purchasing CNG and electric three-wheelers is much higher compared to petrol-run vehicle. “A vehicle is a depreciating asset, and if I buy one, I would have to spend a substantial amount on EMIs. Even after that, there are ongoing expenses like maintenance, insurance, and charging costs, which make it difficult for many drivers to switch to cleaner alternatives,” said Mridul Haloi, another auto driver.Meanwhile, regarding diesel-run buses, Metropolitan Transport Authority Guwahati secretary Devraj Das said, while there will be no revision of the existing transportation fare rates, they are considering adding a fuel surcharge. “We have considered forwarding a proposal to the govt, if the fuel price continues to rise,” Das added.
