I WOULD like to point out that the majority of minibus operators respect the agreements made with the government and charge commuters the regular fares. There are a few rogue operators who are causing all the commotion and distress to commuters because of their greed. If these rogue operators do not display the prices they are charging prominently outside the bus and a commuter joins the bus, he assumes the fare is the regular one and pays as such.

Rogue operators are under the impression that since fares are not set by legislation, they can do as they like.

But this impression is wrong for the following reasons:
** (1) there is an agreement with the government whereby the government has subsidised the prices of gasoline to keep fares low and such an agreement cannot be broken by any ignorant and greedy rogue operator.

** (2) If the rogue operators do not display their ‘hiked’ fares prominently outside the bus and a commuter enters, the contract between the commuters and operator is at the regular, reigning charge and the commuter could call the police into the matter since this overcharge falls under law of contract. It is only when some rogue operators are prosecuted that they will understand.
In any case, why should any rogue operator be allowed to increase his fare and income by 34 per cent, yes 34 per cent at one full swoop, at the expense of the poor commuter who never gets any raise in pay or, if he is a public servant, by a mere five per cent. The Income Tax Department should take note.