Wants KTC scheme withdrawn till such time
TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: Claiming an estimated loss of 60 per cent to their business every day, Goa State Private Bus Owners Association (GSPBOA) has demanded that State government should withdraw the monthly pass scheme implemented by Kadamba Transport Corporation, till a similar scheme is finalised for private buses. The Association, which has around 1500 buses registered with it, has decided to implement the bus fare hike (notified by the government), from April 10.
Simultaneously, the Association members have decided to adhere to State transport department stipulations such as compulsory wearing of uniforms by drivers and conductors with name tag, issue of tickets and avoid overcrowding. The decision was taken during the general body meeting held on Saturday at T B Cunha hall in Panjim.
The North Goa Bus Owners Association (NGBOA), which is affiliated to GSPBOA, also supported the demand and came out strongly against the pass scheme. As per the new fare rates, Rs 8 would be charged for the first four kilometers, and 80 paise for every subsequent kms (4.1 to 9.9 kms) and 65 paise beyond 10km.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, the GSPBOA president Purshottam Halankar said the meeting has resolved to implement the bus fare hike while assuring a change in the behaviour of drivers and conductors towards commuters. He said that as government has accepted our demand for a hike along with providing bus subsidy, it is our duty to provide better public transport. “We will ensure that all rules are followed,” Halankar said adding ‘we cannot have complete control over overcrowding but will try to restrict it.”
When asked about state government’s announcement on the Floor of the House to extend the pass scheme to the private buses, Halankar said ‘it is a welcome decision, provided it earns profit’. He said that they cannot say anything at the moment, as government is yet to come out with clear cut guidelines over the proposal. The bus owners demanded that government should withdraw the current monthly pass scheme of KTC till a similar scheme is floated for them. “With the pass scheme, KTC has managed to grab most of our commuters. Our business is affected by almost 60 percent,” NGBOA secretary Simepurushkar said.
