Srinagar March 17 (KNS): Former Minister and Apni Party Provincial President Kashmir, Muhammad Ashraf Mir has called upon Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) in relation to the mismanagement and non-availability of Ladies special Buses across Srinagar city.

In a statement to the Kashmir News Service (KNS),  Mir said the much-hyped ladies special bus service launched in Kashmir over 7 years ago has disappeared from city roads causing inconvenience to the female students and working women who commute on a daily basis to their offices and colleges.

"During the peak hours of morning and evening, scores of female students are left stranded as they cannot board jam-packed and overloaded public transport. We have received numerous complaints of harassment that takes place in overcrowded buses, in consideration to this issue, steps need to be taken up on priority basis to ensure reappearance of women special Buses. The service had a huge potential for the safety of females and making their travel safe," he said.

Mir also urged the administration and Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Kashmir and General Manager, JKSRTC to look into the matter on an immediate basis. He also asked the concerned department to avoid the commute of male passengers in the 5 ladies special buses despite catering to the population of more than 11 lakh.

Regarding the issue pertaining to the hike in fare price, he asked the concerned authorities to set appropriate fare charges and provide a rate list to the bus drivers to avoid exploitation of the daily commuters.(KNS)