M'lore: If RTA has its Way, Carrying Cell Phones may Cost Drivers’ Jobs
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SB)
 
Mangalore, February 26: If the decision mulled over by Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of Mangalore comes into force, the bus drivers, both  private and the KSRTC under its jurisdiction who carry cell phones with them during their duty hours will risk losing their driving licenses (DL).

The RTA decision announced the decison at the ‘Transport Adalat’ held at the DC’s office here on Thursday February 25. “If any passenger complains to the RTA, attaching a photograph of the driver talking over the cell phone, the DL of the driver will be cancelled. The RTA team will also conduct frequent surprise inspections to find out if any driver carries a cell phone with him,” said Chairman of the RTA and Deputy Commissioner V Ponnuraj. Ponnuraj added that the RTA was keen on implementing “citizen-enforced rules and regulations.” Hence, their complaints would be considered seriously.

Superintendent of Police Dr A Subrahmanyeshwar Rao said that the drivers should leave the cell phones with somebody at the starting point and get back the same at the end of their duty.

New Bus Terminus at Pumpwell

The DC said land acquisition for the new bus terminus at Pumpwell has been completed and works will commence soon. The entire problem of traffic congestion and the barrier of DM notification denying new permits from the State Bank area will be solved once the new bus stand is set up, he added.

KSRTC Buses in City

Ponnuraj said the district administration cannot issue new permits since the private bus operators have obtained a stay against the route formation notification of the state government.

“Though keen on introducing the KSRTC buses, it cannot happen until the stay is vacated. The government is trying its level best in this direction,” he said.