7 months after pulling out of non-AC cab scheme,operator runs from pillar to post for deposit refund

Talking to Newsline,Biresh Singh said,“I am glad that I withdrew. With this kind of an attitude of the Administration,no one can operate here in the city. I am waiting till March 31 to get my money back following which I plan to move court against Transport Secretary Ram Niwas and Vandana Disodia,who is secretary of the State Transport Authority (STA).”

It was around two years ago that the Administration had decided to launch non-AC cabs in the city to ease commuting woes.

Singh had also set up a new office in Panchkula where he claims to have put in place a call centre spending close to Rs 8 lakh.

Singh claims that it was the “indifferent” attitude of the UT Administration that forced him to pull out from the scheme.

“The officials were not clear about the rates to be fixed and in an arbitrary manner,asked us not to put advertisements while they allowed it for the AC cabs. They were not even able to decide on the terms and conditions.”

A senior UT official said: “The matter is being looked into and the bills would be cleared soon.”

STA Secretary Vandana Disodia,however,was unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts.

Meanwhile,the sole operator of the non-AC cabs in the city,Harbir Singh,is waiting for the launch of the new model of Tata Magic.

With things finally falling into place,city residents hope to avail of the service next month onwards.

As of now,the Administration has disallowed putting up of advertisements and has fixed the rate as Rs 15 for the first kilometre and Rs 9 for the subsequent kilometres.