₹2 cleanliness surcharge levied, but hygiene concerns persist at ST depots

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The state transport (ST) Corporation has started collecting a Rs 2 cleanliness surcharge per passenger from April 15, yet commuters say hygiene conditions at bus depots and inside buses remain unsatisfactory.

The central bus stand continues to face poor upkeep, with plastic bags, empty water bottles and fruit peels scattered across the premises. Garbage was also found under seats in several buses. A similar situation was observed at the Cidco bus stand. Officials maintain that cleanliness will improve soon.

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Passengers’ concerns

Vaibhav Shinde said the surcharge amount should be clearly and separately mentioned on tickets instead of being merged with the total fare. Tejaswini Ingale, travelling to Shirdi, said while the central bus stand appears somewhat clean, further improvement is needed and buses must also be properly maintained. Divisional Controller Pramod Nehul stated that a private agency will shortly undertake cleanliness work to improve conditions at depots and inside buses.