30 private bus permits are unused - RTO

30 private bus permits are unused - RTO

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, 07 December 2010: Around 30 private bus permits issued by the Mangalore Road Transport Authority (RTA) remain unused because private bus operators are unwilling to ply buses along these routes for a number of reasons.

Official statistics reveal that out of the 1,410 private bus permits, only 915 are issued by the Mangalore Road Transport Office (RTO) and the other 495 are issued by the RTA. In 2009, the RTO cancelled 11 permits because the buses were not plying along the prescribed routes. However, in 2010, no permits have been cancelled.

Seva Nayak, the road transport officer, informed that many private bus operators have given up their permits owing to various reasons and some have even gotten hold of court orders to give up their permits. He said that show-cause notices are served on permit holders who refuse to ply along prescribed routes.

Officials say that only 30 buses do not ply along the prescribed routes and that it is very difficult to keep track of the actual number because the RTO lacks a separate wing to monitor the movement of these buses. They also say that officials become aware of discrepancies only when passengers complain.

Mr. Nayak voiced his opinion that GPS will help monitor bus movement effectively, and a decision regarding the matter will be taken in the forthcoming RTA meeting.