COMMUTERS IN Kolkata are bracing for a trying time from Thursday as private bus operators across West Bengal have called for a three-day statewide strike.

On Tuesday, Transport Department Secretary Soumitra Mohan convened a meeting to discuss the looming strike, appealing to bus and minibus owners to reconsider their decision to avoid inconveniencing the public.

The strike, stemming from “unresolved grievances” with the government, is expected to significantly disrupt daily commutes, leaving a large number of people scrambling for alternative transportation in the city.

According to the bus operatiors, the strike is aimed at protesting against alleged “targeted levying” of fines by traffic police and civic volunteers and the state government’s “inaction” regarding the replacement of 15-year-old buses.

However, representatives from the private bus organisations remained defiant, pointing out their intention to proceed with the strike. and road blockade.This meeting followed an earlier, unsuccessful attempt at resolution. The police also held a separate video conference today, inviting representatives of the private bus organisations to attend.

A key grievance of the bus owners is the “frequency and severity” of fines. Surojit Saha, vice president of the Bengal Bus Syndicate, highlighted the issue claiming, “They’re issuing at least 3-4 cases a day and imposing heavy fines. Imagine, a Rs 10,000 fine for driver’s negligence and 4,000 rupees for a speeding ticket.” He further claimed that despite repeated meetings, the administration has failed to take any concrete action.

Saha also spoke about the financial strain on bus owners, noting that their average daily earnings are around Rs 1800, excluding maintenance and fines.