SC orders authorities to review transport fares

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a mandamus order directing the government authorities to review the fare of public buses only after analysing all the factors related to public transport business.

The order issued by the division bench of justices Min Bahadur Rayamajhi and Pawan Kumar Ojha has even asked the government to publicize the revised fares in the gazette.

Acting upon a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Jyoti Baniya on behalf of Consumers' Protection Forum, the bench directed the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Ministry of Transport Management, the Department of Transportation and Management and the National Transport Entrepreneurs' Association and the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs' Association to review public transport fares.

The bench directed the authorities fix the fare rates by analysing the price of engine, petroleum products, administrative costs, tax and benefits for the entrepreneurs.

As per the current practice, the Department of Transport Management fixes public transport fares on the recommendation of the Fare Determination Committee.

The petitioner challenged the previous system saying that it was an unscientific way of fixing the fares of public transport.

The Supreme Court has also asked the government to ensure mandatory insurance for the commuters using public transportation