MLA seeks solution for city bus issues

Mangaluru: Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath said that many of the city buses in Mangaluru are not reaching their designated destinations, causing inconvenience to the public.The MLA said he insisted in the govt that this issue be addressed immediately. He said some city buses limited their services to certain areas due to financial reasons, reducing trips, and govt buses were introduced in those areas. However, those services were also halted. As a result, people from certain areas are left without proper transportation facilities, he claimed."Though the transport department has issued nearly 400 permits to private operators, many of them do not operate buses due to lack of sufficient income. The KSRTC introduced buses on many such routes. However, they also stopped the services. When this issue was brought to the attention of the Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners' Association, RTO, police department, the deputy commissioner, and finally the district minister during the KDP meeting, it seemed resolved for a day or two. But the outcome is zero," the MLA said.People in rural areas and the city outskirts find it difficult to reach the city. Many KSRTC and private buses are not operating on various routes from the State Bank and Mangaladevi bus stands. People from areas like Shaktinagar, Bajal, Padil, Kannagudde, Boloor Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt, Jalligudde, Kottara, and Saripalla are left without proper transportation facilities, he said.The issue was raised in the assembly during the latest legislature session, he said, adding: "I have urged a resolution to this problem. In response, transport minister Ramalinga Reddy promised to take immediate action on the matter. The minister said he will issue directions to the authorities to cancel those permits if buses are not operated on the prescribed routes."