Increasing number of private buses flouting laws in Kochi

KOCHI: The Motor Vehicle Department on Wednesday took stringent action against two private buses for plying the city routes without proper permits. According to officials, the permits of these buses that conduct services in the Eroor-Vyttilla section were suspended by the regional transport authority for limiting the number of services, last week. RTA seized the buses during morning hours which were then taken to Thrikkakara police station.
The number of private buses flouting laws is on the rise. In the first four months this year, 173 cases were registered in this regard as against the 140 registered in the same period last year. The offences vary from rerouting services to plying without speed governors, as well as misbehaviour with passengers.
According to a MVD official, 110 buses were booked for trip violation, 48 were found plying without speed governors. “Most buses booked for trip violation were used for private purposes,” the official said. Even though MVD was regularly taking action against erring buses, it has not been effective as most owners and crew didn’t seem bothered. “Bus workers are mostly inexperienced, and have a tendency to violate rules. Since there is shortage of workers, bus owners don’t seem bothered about what workers do,” he said.
Following the increasing number of offences, and complaints against buses, RTA suspended the permits of around 30 private buses. The board has also issued show-cause notices to 80 buses for skipping regular trips. Ernakulam RTO T J Thomas said the drive would be intensified. “We are also looking into complaints about misbehaviour by workers. At a recent meeting called by the district collector, it was decided to take stern action against offenders,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Private Bus Operators Association, said police and MVD officials were taking action against buses unnecessarily. “Even if we produce receipts from workshops indicating the date and the nature of maintenance works undertaken, these officials seldom accept those documents,” said M B Sathyan, secretary, PBOA.