With the onset of autumn, followed by winter, the public transport disappears from the roads in the evening.
This problem is not new. It is there for years and decades now, and without a solution in sight. Subsequently, the commuters continue to face lot of problems and inconvenience.
They have to face it through out the two seasons – autumn and winter. Finally some solution emerges for some months in spring and summer.
The problem is prevailing on all major and small routes. Not only the people in Srinagar city but in towns also get affected.
The passenger buses and cabs go off the roads in the evening. The commuters can be seen waiting in large numbers at the bus stops.
This is because they do not have a passenger vehicle to travel and reach their respective destinations.
And after a long wait if a bus or cab reaches there, the vehicle is unable to cater the rush.
The passengers are left with no option but to travel in autorickshaws The passengers allege that the autorickshaw drivers mostly over-charge during evening hours.
According to the reports, the matter was brought into the notice of the concerned authorities several times but no meaningful action was taken.
The private transporters show no interest in continuing the services till late evening. They should be made to provide the services.
Even the road transport corporation ( RTC) buses be pressed into service. There are also reports of inadequate passenger vehicle services on a number of routes in Srinagar; even during the day.
The commuters say the passenger vehicles do not operate regularly and frequently on such routes leading to inconvenience to them.
The concerned officials must see to it that where does the problem lie. Such routes must be identified and vehicle service made available in adequate number. Introduction of RTC buses or e-buses on several routes is being hailed by the people.
But there is a need of more such buses to address the increasing rush of passengers. These buses are proving good in terms of services and the monetary rewards.
The authorities must purchase more buses and operate those on the routes, having hardly any public transport.
Efforts should be made to improve the overall passenger transport system. Such efforts must be made at the private and government levels. The passengers must have adequate number of vehicles available for travel throughout the day, especially during the peak hours of morning and evening.