Bhubaneswar, Jun 19: The original goal of the “Ama Bus” service was ambitious—to provide affordable and convenient public transport for city commuters. However, many now feel that the purpose has changed, as complaints grow over new charges and increasing commercialization.
Recently, passengers have been required to pay extra charges for carrying even small bags while travelling in Ama Bus services. This has triggered public anger, with many accusing the system of shifting from a public service model to a revenue-focused approach.
On Wednesday, a passenger named Laxmipriya Rout travelled from Cuttack Railway Station to Bhubaneswar International Airport on Route No. 80. She was charged ₹30 per passenger and an additional ₹15 for a small bag. The conductor reportedly demanded a total of ₹75 for the trip, leading to a dispute. The passenger questioned why a small bag should cost nearly half the fare, but eventually paid the amount after the argument.
Such incidents, according to commuters, are becoming frequent, with passengers being regularly asked to pay extra for luggage during travel. Many daily commuters have protested against this practice.
Thousands of passengers travel daily in cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Khordha, and Rourkela. Most of them belong to middle-class or economically weaker sections. Many use Ama Bus services for short-distance travel, especially to railway stations and bus stands. Critics say that charging extra for small luggage goes against the original purpose of the service, which was meant to provide affordable transport.
Passengers have also expressed dissatisfaction over the introduction of advertisements inside buses. Earlier, the buses showcased Odisha’s art and cultural designs, which gave them a clean and attractive appearance. Now, with commercial advertisements replacing those designs, commuters say the buses look cluttered and less appealing. They have demanded removal of such advertisements.
However, a senior CRUT official stated that the new rules have been implemented recently to generate additional revenue. He said CRUT is currently running at a loss and needs supplementary income sources. With over three lakh daily passengers, buses are often crowded, yet financial constraints remain. Therefore, revenue from advertisements and luggage charges is being used to support operations.
While officials justify the move as necessary for sustainability, public opinion remains divided, with many questioning whether the service is moving away from its original goal of affordable and accessible public transport.
