KSRTC Volvo bus crew harassed by private bus operators

KSRTC Volvo bus crew harassed by private bus operators

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, April 3: Private bus operators have begun harassing the crew of KSRTC’s Volvo buses. They not only intercept the Volvo buses all along NH17, but also try to damage the Volvos, risking the lives of hundreds of passengers in the process. 

The police force is not doing anything against the private bus operators in spite of a steady stream of complaints pouring into police stations and the KSRTC office. The Volvo bus drivers allege that the private buses are carrying additional rowdy elements to harass the Volvo bus crew.

Last Friday, one of these rowdy elements threatened the Volvo bus driver that he would break the windshield of the bus and thrash the driver and conductor if the driver dared to overtake any private bus. The incident was repeated in Padubidri and Mulky. Passengers were shocked when the private bus approached the Volvo at high speed, knocking off its rear view mirror. 

Reportedly, the Canara Bus Owners’ Association, which manages the Udupi - Mangalore routes, has instructed its employees to harass the Volvo bus crew as much as possible. KSRTC officials confirmed that one of the Volvo buses had been damaged on Friday. The Volvo crew had complained that the drivers and conductors of private buses verbally abuse them and try to pick a quarrel with them whenever possible. 

President of the Nagarika Hitarakshana Vedike Hanumanth Kamath said that the private bus lobby was putting the lives of hundreds of passengers in danger. He said that the Vedike will wait and watch and, if the behavior of the private bus operators doesn’t improve, the Vedike will launch a legal campaign against them. 

Officials say that complaints have already been submitted to the headquarters of the KSRTC at Shantinagar in Bangalore and that the news will soon reach the transport minister.