DoTM takes action
KATHMANDU: The Department of Transport Management (DoTM), so far, has taken action against around 50 public vehicles that were found overcharging passengers. Each vehicle has been imposed fine of Rs 5,000, according to Basanta Adhikari, spokesperson for DoTM.
Amid increased criticism that the government-fixed transport fare is not being implemented by transporters, DoTM had started monitoring the cabs on Sunday by forming four separate teams. On Friday, the DoTM had revised and cut public transport fare by 2.22 based on reduction in fuel price.
As per transport management law, the government can impose fine of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 if transporters are found to be charging passengers arbitrarily. “We have imposed penalty of flat Rs 5,000 on transporters flouting the rule on new fare,” said Adhikari. He added that the four teams have monitored around 400 public vehicles in different parts of the Valley.
The inspection teams includes officials from DoTM, Traffic Police, representatives of transporters association and consumer rights forums. The inspection team reported of transporters charging higher fare, lack of fare list in the vehicles, operators claiming to be unaware of the new rules, and passengers paying fare as per the old rates as some of the common issues.