Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Jun 25: The private, city and express buses will begin operations from July 1 in the district.
A meeting in this regard was held in the district DC office with the private bus owners. In the meeting presided over by MLA Raghupati Bhat and DC G Jagadeesh, it was decided that the buses will become operational in the district from July 1.
Speaking to Daijiworld, district BJP president and the president of Udupi City Bus Owners Association, Kuyilady Suresh Naik said, "We have decided to begin bus operations in the district from July 1. All the Covid protocol will be followed. Only 50% occupancy will be allowed on the bus. However, the bus fare will be increased by 25%. Around 30% of buses will be on the road on July 1."
"As the buses are allowed to operate with 50% occupancy, the fare is increased. This will be the case only during the Covid period. Once the buses are allowed 100% occupancy the rates will be decreased again," RTO JP Gangadhar told Daijiworld.
"Application should be submitted to the RTO in advance before bringing the vehicle on-road. If any bus is plying without permission, strict action will be taken against the violators," he added.
The Private Bus Operators' Federation will meet the Karnataka state transport minister and chief minister on June 29 and hold a meeting to discuss the demands of private operators regarding waiving off tax for two quarters among other demands. MLA Raghupathi Bhat will be also part of the meeting.
ADC Sadashiva Prabhu, State Bus Owners Federation member, Sadananda Chatra and others were present.