Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Nov 25: Speaking after releasing the computerised ticketing machines procured by Eastern Zone Bus Owners Association at a function held at Lions Seva Mandir in Kadri here on Wednesday November 24 evening, local regional transport officer, Seva Nayak, advised the bus operators to work towards making their services to the public more efficient. “The services provided by private buses in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada district are found to be good. If they lay stress on following traffic rules, they can earn more goodwill of the people,” he opined.

Nayak informed that the state government had set a target of Rs 80 crore for this region under the category of revenue collection by way of taxes on private buses, and that the region has achieved a target of 107% under this head.

He informed that the deputy commissioner of the district, SubodhYadav had, during his recent tour of the district, observed certain deficiencies in the operation of private buses. Some of the common complaints like rash driving need to be addressed by providing proper training to the drivers, he opined. He disclosed that many of the petitions received from the people relate to not reserving seats for senior citizens, women, and handicapped persons, and not providing the women passengers the exclusive facility of climbing into and getting out of the bus from the front entrance. There are cases in which rural trips are skipped by hiring buses for marriage functions. “These complaints should be addressed properly, and better services should be provided to the people,” he said.

General secretary of Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners Association, Aziz Partippady, speaking on the occasion, said that private buses are moving on even routes where no proper roads have been laid. He said that rarely trips do get cut, and sought cooperation of the students and others with the bus operators. He wanted the drivers to be careful as their recklessness can doom the future of a family, and suggested the bus employees to behave respectfully with students.

Deputy commissioner of police, R Ramesh, presided. State Bus Owners Union president, Rajavarma Ballal, Eastern Zone Bus Owners Union general secretary, Pradip Kumar Manai, vice president, Jagadish Alva, traffic inspector, G S Hegde, Manjunath Shetty and others were present.

Owner of Vrashabha Travels, Vittal Shetty, rendered prayer. President of the union, Sheshappa Shetty, welcomed.