Anantapur RTA to keep a watch on private carriers charging abnormally

ANANTAPUR: Officials from the Road Transport Authority (RTA) are focusing on controlling the abnormal prices charged by private travels while catering to the heavy Dasara rush. Special teams will watch and verify prices by using social media inspections at travel agency offices.

There will be surprise checks at the pickup points of buses as also the last stage amid reports of abnormal fares being collected by private travel agencies. At least 500 travel agency buses operate regularly from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Vijayawada via Anantapur. They have to pass through RTA check-posts at Kodikonda, Penukonda and Kurnool borders. During the festive season and holidays, private carriers collect hefty fares as passengers will be in a mad rush to make it to their native places and return.

Anantapur deputy transport commissioner Shivaram Prasad said that they had met private travel agencies a couple of days ago and had given clear instructions about ticket fares.

"We have cautioned all private operators against collecting excess fare from passengers during Dasara. Special teams were formed to check and attend to every complaint coming their way", Prasad observed.

He said that the RTA special teams will check the websites of travel agencies on a daily basis. The teams will randomly check tickets issued at the drop points. Meanwhile, he urged people to come forward and complain if they come across any instances of abnormal fares.