Kathmandu, October 14

The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has mobilised five different monitoring teams in five different locations in Kathmandu Valley who will be keeping a close eye on those public transport charging unfairly higher fares from passengers.

According to Basanta Adhikari, spokesperson for DoTM, help desks have been set up in Balkhu, Gongabu, Koteshwor, Gaushala and Kalanki after receiving complaints from passengers that vehicles plying on short routes were charging them three times higher than the usual fare.

Each help desk has five monitoring officials led by an under-secretary.

Complaints of many vehicles to and from Hetauda, Chitwan and Pokhara, among other short routes, charging higher from passengers have been received, added Spokesperson Adhikari.

The situation emanated after the ongoing widespread fuel crisis in the country and the state oil monopoly, Nepal Oil Corporation, rationed fuel for public transport.

DoTM has also requested passengers to lodge complaints at the help desk if they are charged arbitrarily by the public transport. The department will bring such vehicles to book and fine the vehicle up to Rs 5,000, as per Adhikari.

In addition, the department has also directed all the chief district officers in the country to take action against vehicles found charging higher fares from passengers.