On Tuesday morning, around 550 contract drivers of Thane Municipal Corporation’s (TMC) transport service went on an unannounced strike, citing non-receipt of wage hikes through their contractors. The strike caused significant inconvenience for daily commuters as large crowds gathered at bus stops across the city.
The TMC operates public transport services through Thane Municipal Transport (TMT), which manages a fleet of 474 buses. However, nearly 50 of these buses are non-operational due to various reasons. Out of the active buses, 225 are operated by private contractors, primarily departing from the Anand Nagar Agar depot in Ghodbunder. Despite its existing fleet, the TMT service struggles to meet the growing demands of Thane’s increasing population.
The striking contract drivers allege that their wages have not been increased in accordance with established rules, forcing them to take this step. The sudden disruption left citizens scrambling for alternate transport options, with buses running late due to additional congestion on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway.
TMT officials assured the public that efforts are underway to resolve the matter swiftly. Discussions are ongoing, and the administration is exploring solutions to meet the workers’ demands. Contract workers stated that the strike would end promptly once a formal assurance of wage revisions is provided in writing.
Meanwhile, passengers continue to face difficulties due to the ongoing strike, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable measures to address wage issues and improve the reliability of TMT services in Thane.
