Udupi DC directs private bus operators to fix doors in all buses

Udupi Deputy Commissioner T.K. Swaroopa on Monday directed private bus operators to install doors in all buses and ensure that these are closed while plying.

Speaking at the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) meeting in Udupi, she asked the operators to prioritise passenger safety. The seats meant for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and women should not be allowed to be occupied by others, she said.

Earlier, people who attended the meeting complained that many private buses do not have doors and even if they have it the bus crew do not close them while plying.

Ms. Swaroopa instructed both private and KSRTC bus operators to compulsorily stop buses at all stops. Legal action will be taken against such operators who did not stop buses to enable passengers to alight and board.

Shilavati representing Janavadi Mahila Sangathan said that many private and government buses do not stop at Maravanthe bus stop. This is causing a lot of trouble to students and women, she said.

Some people demanded that the KSRTC should introduce its buses on the Kollur-Byndoor route. It is because private operators diverted their buses operating on the route for marriage trips during the season. On such occasions, people faced problems without buses.

CITU leader Raju Padukone alleged that private buses are not operating on the routes for which they have obtained the licence.

Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar warned that if private and KSRTC bus operators did not operate their buses on the permitted routes, the RTA will take legal action against such operators. After obtaining permit, the operators should operate their buses on the allotted route. If any operator is not operating on the permitted route people can bring the same to the notice of RTA, he said.

When people complained about overloading of passengers in buses, private operators said that it was mainly in the morning and evening hours due to uniform school and college timings. If education institutions changed their timings, rush of students and overloading can be avoided, they suggested.

Responding to the same, some people demanded that additional buses should be operated during morning and evening hours and they should be permitted.