Govt agrees to demand: Vehicles in Assam will now ply with 100% passengers

Oct. 8: In a significant development, the All Assam Motor Transport Association (AAMTA) has decided to end the ongoing Chakka Bandh after the State Government agreed to its demand of allowing vehicles to ply with 100 percent passengers. The association stated that the passenger buses and the city buses are presently incurring huge losses since these are plying with 50% capacity as per the existing COVID-19 norms. Buses, trekkers and other vehicles will run from Friday with 100 percent seat capacity.

Infact, the AAMTA called for indefinite strike from Monday demanding doubling of fares as they were carrying 50 percent passengers. However, in an order issued by thee Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Assam on Thursday, it was mentioned that, “After careful consideration of all aspects of the matter and the recent guidelines for re-opening of activities issued by Government of India from time to time, has decided to agree to the request of Transport Department subject to Transport Department ensuring compliance with the following conditions.”

• The vehicles will not carry passengers more than the allowed seating capacity
• No passengers will be allowed to travel standing in the vehicle.
• The passengers will wear masks and no passenger will be allowed to board the vehicle without wearing mask
• The vehicles owner will ensure the availability of sanitizer in the vehicle.
• The vehicle will be sanitized after every completion of a journey on a route
• The driver and other staff will wear masks at all times in the vehicle.