225 AMTS buses come to a halt, people suffer

Commuters in the city had a tough time on Sunday as around 225 private buses run on contract by the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) did not ply. A large number of Amdavadis had to suffer for the whole day even though around 366 AMTS-owned did ply as usual.

As a result, Sunday plans of a large number of families were badly hit. Hardik Shah was one of the victims of this disruption in bus services. He was planning to take his family out, but had to cancel his plan as he was unable to get buses on time.

According to AMTS sources, the private bus owners had failed to pay up the bills for CNG to Adani fuel station. Therefore, the fuel station owner refused to supply fuel on credit. As a result, the buses had to stop their services.

Commenting on the issue, AMTS chairman Pravin Patel said, "We have resolved the issue. Most of the bus owners have given cheques to the fuel station and the balance dues will be cleared by Friday.  He said that from June 22, 700-750 buses will be available on road. He also clarified that no payment was due with AMTS.