The city’s public transport services were severely disrupted on Saturday as Ama Bus drivers launched a ‘steering down’ protest, demanding timely payment of salaries and better working conditions.
According to reports, the drivers parked 43 buses at the Pokhariput depot, leaving daily commuters stranded and causing inconvenience across several key routes.
The protesting drivers claimed that their salaries are usually credited by the 10th of every month. While their August salary was delayed until September 11, their September salary has yet to be paid. The delay, they said, forced them to take to the streets to seek immediate resolution.
The drivers also raised concerns over poor working conditions, citing the absence of proper restroom facilities, lack of weekly offs, and excessive duty hours due to staff shortages.
Another major grievance was the non-receipt of Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) benefits. Drivers alleged that Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has consistently failed to ensure timely salary disbursement, worsening their financial distress.
City authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the protest.
