Despite requests from senior transport department officials to limit bus requisition to 40%-50%, the Election Commission's demands during the poll season have not been accommodated. Consequently, around 65%-70% of buses, and in some cases up to 80%, are now engaged in election duties, affecting both private and government bus operations in Howrah and Kolkata.

The impact of bus shortages is felt across various routes, with significantly reduced bus frequencies and longer wait times for passengers. The West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC) has also been affected, leading to the deployment of air-conditioned buses as replacements on certain routes.

Passengers lament the prolonged wait times and overcrowded buses, with some reporting delays of up to two hours for the next available bus. This disruption is expected to persist until polling concludes on June 2. Additionally, for the final round of voting, other authorities such as Lalbazar, local police stations, and the motor vehicles department are also requisitioning buses, further exacerbating the shortage in public transportation services. (ET Infra)