Private companies have been delaying ticket bookings, putting pressure on the government to revise transportation fare. Earlier, transport companies used to open bookings a month before the Dashain festival. [break]
“We´ve been asking the government to increase transportation fare, taking into consideration hike on the price of major components like fuel,” said Yogendra Nath Karmacharya, president of NFNTE.
Kedar Man Singh, director of Makalu Yatayat said the company will open the booking only from Tuesday. “It´s really difficult to open bookings because prices of major components have increased. But the government hasn´t revised the fare yet, Singh added.
Singh expects 10 percent rise in number of passengers this year as compared to last year, thanks to easing political situation in the country. He also said the company is in no mood of adding additional buses on major routes it cannot afford to bear extra costs. “Why should we put extra efforts if it isn´t going to pay us back?” he questioned.
The government and transporters have agreed to revise transportation fare on the first month of every fiscal year or if fuel prices fluctuate at least by Rs 5 per liter. The government had last revised transportation fare in February. After the revision, price of diesel has increased to Rs 75 per liter from Rs 68.50 per liter.
Araniko Yatayat is opening reservation from Monday. “We are still expecting revision in transportation fare,” an official of Arniko Yatayat said.
Rishi Shrestha, proprietor of Miteri Yatayat, said the company couldn´t announce opening of booking on Sunday due to technical problems.
“We need to make necessary arrangements before opening bookings. NFNTE´s instruction isn´t mandatory for us,” Shrestha added. He added that Miteri Yatayat will open booking from Wednesday.
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