THOMAS FERNANDES
The Traffic Department of Goa Police has been active in issuing challans to motorcycle riders for not wearing a helmet but has been lagging far behind in disciplining the transport system, especially buses used by common people. Buses usually pack in commuters way above capacity and the basic rules meant to safeguard the interest of ladies are not being followed by bus conductors or cleaners. The seats meant for lady passengers of the handicapped are usually occupied by migrant labourers despite the presence of lady passengers in the bus. Ladies have, time and again, alleged that bus conductors and the cleaners are least bothered about the reservation made for them despite bringing the matter to their notice in the fear of losing passengers.
“We are used to the buses packed to the capacity or beyond but at least the seats meant for ladies or reserved for ladies should be given to lady passengers. Many times the reserved seats for ladies are occupied by migrant labourers and when the conductors are questioned over the seats they quietly tell you ‘Asum go, bosom di taka (Let it be, let him sit)’. If that is the case, then why are the seats reserved for ladies? The seats reserved for the handicapped are also occupied by migrant labourers. Why such privilege to the migrant labourers? Are we not paying money to travel from one place to another?” questioned Mary, a regular traveller.
“The moment I see a male migrant labourer sitting comfortably in the seat reserved for ladies I get mad and quarrel with the conductors and cleaners but they shout at us saying that they (the migrant labourers) will come to fight with them if they make them get up from the seat.” The conductors and cleaners are more concerned about passengers and earning money and not the safety of ladies,” said Fatima, another regular traveller.
“Traffic police are seen stopping and punishing motorists most of the time. But what about the offenders who auction the reserved seat of ladies to the migrant labourers?” asked Manisha, a commuter.
