Hingoli RTO launches drive against overcharging by private buses during Diwali

Hingoli, Nov 5 (PTI) The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district has launched a special drive to check overcharging of fares and rule violations by private bus operators during the Diwali season, officials said on Thursday.

    It has appealed to commuters who are overcharged to file complaints along with their tickets or receipts so that action can be taken.

    According to the state government's guidelines, private bus operators cannot charge more than 50 per cent above the corresponding fares of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), the official said.

    Some passengers have taken to social media to raise concerns over alleged high fares charged by private buses during the festive rush and demand action against operators.

    Hingoli's Deputy Regional Transport Officer Satish Jadhav said their department is conducting a special inspection drive between November 1 and 20 to check compliance with transport regulations, he said.

    The inspection teams would also check vehicle fitness, valid permits, overloading and mandatory safety arrangements, including fire extinguishers and emergency exits, to ensure passenger safety, the official said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)