The sudden increase in charge for parking two wheelers at the Central Bus Stand has irked the vehicle users.
The multilevel two wheeler parking serves hundreds of commuters, office goers and short trip makers to the neighbouring districts such as Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Ariyalur, Perambalur and Karur. The passengers, who visit the neighbouring towns such as Manaparai, Thogamalai, Keeranur and others also, invariably park their two wheelers at the Central Bus Stand and travel by bus to their destinations. They will have to pay stipulated charge for parking two wheelers.
As per the arrangement, cyclists had been paying Rs.3 per day for parking their bicycles. It was Rs.5 per day for motor cycles. The rate was applicable for 24 hours from the time of parking.
However, the charge has been doubled all of a sudden and without prior notice. The staff members employed by a contractor, who has been authorised to collect charge, insist Rs.10 per day for motor cycles and Rs.5 for bicycles. The 100 percent increase in parking charge is being collected since April 1. The sharp rise in parking charge has shocked the two-wheeler riders, who regularly use the parking lot at the Central Bus Stand.
“It is shocking and exorbitant. We have no other options except to heed the forceful collection. It is sheer exploitation of innocent users,” said M. Murthy of Thennur.
There were instances of arguments between the users and the fee collectors at the parking lot over the excessive collection of charge. Many of them were forced to pay the doubled rate.
The receipt being given by the fee collectors does not have clear information on charge. The notice board does not have notification over change in rate of parking.
Another two-wheeler owner said that the users would not mind if the rate was increased by five to ten percent. Moreover, the fee collectors should issue receipt with the symbol of Tiruchi City Corporation that owned the parking lot. Action must be taken against those violating rules and regulations on charging exorbitant fees.
