Tension is mounting in the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) as owners of rented buses have announced plans to stop services across the state. The bus owners warned that they will suspend operations from the 12th of this month if the management fails to meet their demands.
The landlords’ associations have decided to issue a formal strike notice to APSRTC management today. They are demanding a substantial increase in the rent paid for their buses, citing rising operational costs.
Bus Owners Demand Higher Rent
The rented bus owners stated that they are facing heavy financial losses. According to them, fuel prices and maintenance expenses have increased sharply in recent months. However, the rent paid by APSRTC has not kept pace with these rising costs.
They also pointed out that bus congestion has increased significantly after the implementation of the Stree Shakti scheme. The scheme has led to higher passenger volumes, which has added extra pressure on the rented buses.
Talks With Management Fail
Several rounds of discussions between the bus owners and APSRTC management have failed to produce a solution. The management recently offered an additional ₹5,200 per month as a rent hike.
However, the owners’ associations expressed strong dissatisfaction with the proposal. They said the offered increase is too small and does not address their financial burden.
Strike Threat From 12th This Month
The associations made it clear that they will proceed with the strike after issuing notice. They warned that rental bus services may come to a complete halt across Andhra Pradesh from January 12 if the management does not revise the rent.
With unions preparing for agitation, a strike-like atmosphere now prevails within APSRTC. If the dispute continues, commuters across the state may face serious inconvenience in the coming days.
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