Transport entrepreneurs have finally agreed to start advance booking for long-route buses for Dashain, beginning from Friday (September 23). “Long-route commuters can book their tickets from ticket stations at bus parks and other ticket outlets across Kathmandu Valley,” said Dolnath Khanal, president of the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs Association (FNNTEA). New Bus Park, Kalanki, Koteshwor and Gaushala are the core areas where commuters can book bus tickets, according to FNNTEA. Though advance bus ticket booking for the public usually opens a month before Dashain festival begins, transporters this year delayed the announcement demanding to temporarily halt construction work under way at Narayangadh-Mugling section for smooth vehicular movement and a hike in fare for passengers travelling in super deluxe buses. Khanal said the Department of Transport Management has agreed to the proposal to halt construction work at Narayangadh-Mugling section for up to three weeks. Similarly, DoTM also increased commuter fare for super deluxe buses, added Khanal. “Commuters are worried about their travel plans to their hometowns this Dashain because of the delay in the announcement of advance booking,” Madhav Timalsina, president of Consumers’ Right Investigation Forum said, adding that neither the government nor transport entrepreneurs are serious about consumers’ concerns. IME launches “IME Haat Hudaina Khali” campaign