Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 11: The reckless behaviour of private bus drivers in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts is not a new phenomenon. Hundreds of private buses have long been operating in blatant disregard of transportation rules, with little to no action from the authorities, despite their awareness of the issue.

In a shocking incident that occurred in Mangaluru, the unruly behaviour of private bus drivers reached a new low when two bus drivers and conductors engaged in a violent brawl in the middle of a busy road, with passengers still inside the buses. The altercation, which mirrored the behaviour of street thugs, has sparked widespread outrage among the public.

The incident took place between the staff of two private buses operating on the Vittal-Mangaluru route. While on duty, the drivers and conductors of the two buses got into a physical fight, with one of them even wielding a screwdriver as a weapon. The scuffle was caught on the bus’s CCTV camera, exposing the rowdy behaviour of the private bus staff.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fight broke out between the staff of two private buses, allegedly over an argument related to spitting that escalated into a physical confrontation. The staff of one bus boarded the other, dragged the conductor out, and attempted to stab him with a screwdriver in front of terrified passengers.

In addition to this violent incident, passengers have reported that it is not uncommon for private bus drivers and conductors to display aggressive and reckless behaviour. Many drivers speed through roads with little regard for safety, and some even act like rowdies, intimidating passengers. Despite the growing concerns, authorities, including the Regional Transport Office (RTO), appear to turn a blind eye to these issues, much to the frustration of the public.

In recent times, the misconduct of private bus staff has escalated, causing decent passengers to hesitate to use private bus services. The public has expressed dissatisfaction with the police and RTO officials, accusing them of negligence and claiming that their inaction has emboldened the uncivil behaviour of private bus employees.