Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, May 29: "Though the RTO is aware that contract carriage buses are violating the rules by entering State Bank area, the RTO has not taken any action against this. Contract carriage buses are not allowed to pick passengers as they wish. These buses are not following rules. They move at a snail’s pace which creates traffic snarls. Moreover, the RTO is not issuing permits to KSRTC buses in the city limits, though there are proposals," said Hanumanth Kamath, president, Nagarika Hitarakshana Samiti.
He was complaining about the traffic inconvenience caused by contract carriages during the 'Adalat' held at RTO office on Wednesday May 28.
Raghunath, deputy commissioner for transport, chaired the Adalat.
Responding to complaints, Afzal Ahmed Khan, regional transport officer (RTO), said, "A total of 275 cases were filed for violation of law and five permits were cancelled. We have also written about this to the STI.”
Activist Hasanabba Ammembala said, "Private buses in the city have two doors. Hence, emergency exit doors are not necessary. School children might misuse this emergency door and cause accidents.”
In response, Raghunath, deputy commissioner for transport, said that the decision on emergency exit doors was taken after thorough discussions backed by scientific data.
Nagesh Shetty, putting forth his demand said, "The bus pass for physically challenged commuters should be given for 12 months. The seats reserved for the differently-abled in private buses should compulsorily be given to such people. Issued passes should be applicable throughout the state.”
Yashwanth Shetty said, "There is connectivity problem for commuters from Sultan Battery and Bolar. Private buses should also ply via Panambur beach." Answering this, RTO said, "Permits for four buses have been issued. There is problem with regard to bus timings and it will be cleared soon."
Sudhamani complained, "Young people stand on the footboard and this makes it difficult for women to board the bus. The private bus conductors should wear badges and unnecessary use of horns in private buses should be stopped.”
Various complaints echoed in the Adalat like the need for private bus conductors to vacate the reserved seats for senior citizens and the problem of unauthorized auto rickshaws plying in the city.
On this occasion, members of the D K Bus Association, and auto rickshaw drivers were present.