CPI to protest fare hike

Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary K Narayana has threatened to launch agitation against fare hike by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). Speaking to Express, he said that another amount of ` 400 crore will be additional burden on the people. The RTC management said that they were helpless and had to increase the bus charges, as the price of diesel has increased and following that VAT too would increase.

‘‘It seems central and state governments are vying to harass the common man by taking decisions that affect the prices of essential commodities and necessary services, thus putting more financial burden on the common man,’’he said. CPI state secretary opined that by allowing goods transport through the RTC, revenue to the tune of `300 crore can be earned.