Editorial
Transport strike called off
Both govt and transport leaders show good intention
Calling off transport strike after fruitful discussions between the transport sector and the government is good news, especially for the passengers. But it probably wouldn't be exaggeration to say that it was also a good sign of an effort that finally bore result. The government reportedly agreed to meet almost all the demands made by the transport leaders. What has impressed us is the government's preemption on solving the crisis before it actually began. Usually what we see is the stubbornness of both sides during such strikes completely ignoring the sufferings of the passengers. It is only when the media and the affected people themselves begin to shout about their plight, do the government and the striking side sit down for a solution. But this time we have witnessed the opposite. We hope this would be a good example for others to follow in the future. The government has agreed to provide adequate security for the transport owners, assured them of forming a welfare fund for the workers, among others. But could the government and the transport leaders together ensure the facilities deserved by the passengers? Because it's them who become victims of dacoity on the highway, it's them who suffer inordinate delay thanks to traffic jam on the highway, it's them who die in the most inhuman manner when buses and trucks are driven by unskilled drivers. Both the government and the transport leaders have equal responsibilities. The government would need to ensure that their assurances are implemented; the transport leaders could only justify their demands if and when they can ensure safety and other facilities. We don't want to lose hope. Just as we are hopeful that the latest meeting and its successful outcome would not be short-lived. The manner and ambience in which the talks ended have only raised our hope. Our main concern lies with the safety of the passengers. They are paying for a service and they deserve a good service at that.
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