TSRTC fined Rs 5,000 for cancelling bus service without information

HYDERABAD: Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) was ordered by the consumer court to pay an amount of Rs 5,000 as compensation for the cancellation of the bus service for which a ticket was booked by a person, without prior information. The court also asked the RTC to pay another Rs 2,000 towards the costs of litigation.

The complainant, who is an advocate by profession, had booked a bus ticket and paid an amount of Rs 447. He had reached the MGBS Hyderabad, but the bus had not arrived past the scheduled time.

The complainant immediately called the depot manager of Mancherial depot several times, but there was no response. Later, he was informed that the service concerned was cancelled. The complainant with no other option had to book a private taxi service to reach his village by spending an amount of Rs 7,000.

The advocate argued that though the RTC had refunded the ticket price four days later, the cancellation of the bus service without any prior information was a deficiency of service. However, though the RTC was served notices, the corporation did not respond.

The court in its verdict said that the corporation not responding to the notices served by the court showed irresponsibility. The negligence and inaction of the corporation had caused inconvenience to the complainant and therefore found the corporation guilty of unfair trade practices.