Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CR)

Mangaluru, Jun 14: Gerard Towers, co-ordinator of Nagarika Hita Vedike, on Wednesday June 15 highlighted the nuisance caused by Mallikatte-bound buses plying on random routes and not following the roads they are assigned. This change in bus routes has caused inconvenience to the common people, he said, addressing the media on Wednesday, June 14.

"Police are bothered about smaller vehicles like cars, and bikes breaking rules. But who is responsible for buses that are going haywire on the roads of Mangaluru? Buses that are supposed to go to Mallikatte or Mangaladevi, as per permit, are changing routes and going to State Bank instead. These buses operate according to their own rules, forgetting that they run a public transport which needs to halt at the alloted places, without inconveniencing the passengers on board.

"If these buses do not follow the route and meet with any kind of accidents, they cannot claim any insurance, which puts the life of the passengers traveliing in danger too. All these complaints to the drivers and the police, fall on deaf ears," he added.

"Another problem that needs to be addressed is the height of the footboard. The footboard is placed at a height that is inconvenient to get on, especially for women and children, causing them injuries. The roads too need to be repaired and maintained. Special care has to be taken that unnecessary honking does not take place near the Kadri area, as that route has a lot of hospitals. Quick action needs to be taken in this regard," he further added.

Gerard Towers, co-ordinator of Nagarika Hita Vedike and other members were present at the meet.