Siliguri, 02 June (Siliguri Chronicle) – Confusion has surfaced in parts of North Bengal following the launch of the state government’s free bus travel scheme for women, amid allegations that some private bus operators are misleading passengers by using names and colour schemes similar to those of government-run buses.
The initiative has been widely welcomed by women commuters. However, complaints have emerged that certain private buses are operating under the name “NBST” and are painted in colours closely resembling government buses marked “NBSTC”.
According to the allegations, several women passengers have mistakenly boarded these buses believing they were covered under the free travel scheme. They later discovered that the buses were privately operated and were required to pay the fare.
Raising the issue, members of the Bangiya Hindu Mahamancha submitted a memorandum to the Siliguri Regional Transport Office (RTO) on Tuesday.
The organisation urged the authorities to take immediate steps to stop the alleged practice and demanded strict action against those found responsible.
Representatives of the organisation said that misleading passengers in such a manner is unfair and creates unnecessary confusion among commuters. They expressed hope that the administration would intervene promptly to address the matter and prevent similar incidents in the future.
