Around 2,000 pool car owners, who together own around 3,500 vehicles, have appealed to the state government to give them road permits so they can travel to all districts of Bengal.

Out of business since schools shut down in March 2020 as a precaution against Covid-19, pool car operators said an all-Bengal permit would enable them to ferry people to tourist destinations such as Digha, Mandarmani, Bankura, Purulia, Santiniketan, Bakkhali and Diamond Harbour, and other places.

Most pool car owners now have permits to ferry schoolchildren to two districts apart from Calcutta — Howrah and North or South 24-Parganas.

In a letter to the transport secretary on Thursday, the pool car owners wrote that several thousands of families across parts of Calcutta, North and South 24-Parganas and Howrah were dependent on this business, which has taken a beating with the closure of schools.

Many have no other source of income. Since the permit allows them to run only in two districts other than Calcutta, they are unable to ferry passengers to far-off places.

“We request you to please give us an All Bengal Operational Permit as this will help in engaging our inoperative cars in some meaningful economic activity and provide a source of income for us during these difficult times,” wrote Sudip Dutta, secretary, Pool Car Owners Welfare Association.

The Telegraph has reported how a number of pool car owners have switched professions. Some now deliver eggs, rice and pulses to homes of parents who used to send their children to schools in their cars.

A few others have sold their cars at throwaway prices. Some drivers have run out of savings and a few have taken up tailoring.

On Thursday, some pool car owners said they were getting contracts to ferry tourists for day trips or weekend trips.

“In June and July, there were many offers for trips to places like Santiniketan or Taki (in North 24-Parganas),” said Chiranjit Roy, a pool car operator.

“I had to turn them down because of the permit. If prosecuted, the fine can be as high as Rs 10,000. I can’t risk it,” Roy said.

Senior officials in the transport department said they were yet to decide on how an all-Bengal permit could be issued to pool car operators. It will require clearance from the state cabinet.