Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) pay their e-bus drivers Rs 18,000 to 20,000 per month as compared to Rs 40,000 paid to regular bus drivers. Because of this disparity, e-bus drivers have issued an ultimatum to KTC to rectify the situation by Sep 30, failing which they may plan to strike work. The e-buses cost Rs 2 crore and are not easy to manoeuvre, especially during peak traffic and along narrow roads (Caranzalem, Bhatlem, St. Cruz, etc.).
Yet, the drivers skilfully do so. For the past few months, conductors have not been present in most buses, not every passenger has an e-card, and even the e-ticketing machines do not work. Hence, the onus is on the drivers, who double up as conductors and issue tickets while driving with one hand, which is dangerous. The KTC could favourably look into their request for an increase in salary on par with the regular bus drivers by considering the stressful nature of the work and the cost of living.
