Transport dept reports less violations by bus operators
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, OCT 25
The Transport Department has claimed that the violation of law by private bus operators is on decrease by almost 20 percent since the drive against erring conductors and drivers is initiated.
The department, which has issued more then 900 challans in last two weeks feels that very soon public, will be able to enjoy a smooth and safe public transport in the state.
“Since the implementation of the drive, the number of cases booked by RTOs has gone down from 65 percent to 44 percent. The number will decrease further,” Transport Director Arun Desai said.
The department till date has checked 1780 private buses, with major cases been booked in cities like Panjim, Margao, Ponda, and Mapusa.
In the first week of the drive, beginning from October 4, the department had checked 931 buses of which 611 challans were issued. While in its second week, the numbers of challans issued were 381.
The drive, which also received full support from the private bus operators in the state, bought revenue of Rs 7 lakh to the department through the fine collected in form of challans.
“Our aim is not to collect revenue but we want to bring discipline in the public transport system. We want more and more people to avail the benefits of this transport system in more better and safer way,” he said.
Meanwhile, the director has said that passengers also need to play a crucial role to see that there is smooth functioning of the bus transport in the state.
“You cannot just blame drivers and conductors, passengers too are equally responsible for overloading and breaking the law,” Desai said.
When asked, Desai said that the passengers should insist for the ticket for the exact amount paid. He said that if conductor gives a ticket of higher or lower amount, than it should be rejected and department should be immediately informed.
The department has said that the aggrieved people can contact on the helpline numbers: Panjim -2438288, Margao-2741962, Vasco-2515100 and Ponda-2312749.
