TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: At least 315 buses, from among private and KTC carriers, which are more than 15 years old would be phased out by 2015. The transport department has also put a ban on renewal and issue of fresh permits for buses, which are over 17 years old, from November 2013.
The decision was taken at Tuesday’s State Transport Authority meeting chaired by Principal Secretary (transport) R K Varma.
Speaking to media persons, director transport Arun desai said that they will begin with 17 year old buses this year and then move to 16 and 15 year old buses by the end of three years. “While presenting the last budget, Chief Minister has suggested that buses which are more than 15 years old should not be in public transport system. A subsidy has been provided for replacing the buses,” he said.
Dessai informed that the permits of the buses which are 17 years old would not be renewed nor fresh permits granted from November 30, 2013 onwards. Similarly, department would stop issuing new licences or renewals to buses which are 16 year old from March 31, 2014 onwards. In case of 15 year old buses, the renewals would not be done from March 31, 2015 onwards.
Meanwhile, STA has decided to paint all Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) buses with ‘incredible India’ logo and graphics in order to promote tourism. The decision follows guidelines issued by Union Tourism Ministry, Dessai said.
In yet another decision STA has allowed nine five star hotels to display their hotel logo on passenger vehicles owned by them.
