Transport minister helpless before city’s tough private bus lobby

Transport minister helpless before city’s tough private bus lobby

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jan 30, 2012: Speaking about the delay in launching KSRTC bus services in the twin districts, Home and Transport Minister R. Ashoka admitted that the private bus lobby in Mangalore is too tough for him to handle.

Further, he said that only Higher Education Minister Dr. V. S. Acharya supports the introduction of KSRTC bus services in the twin districts. The other elected representatives are least bothered about it.

Stating that he is helpless as most of the political leaders in the twin districts are against the launching of KSRTC bus services, he said that he does not understand the reason for it. He also said that he feels sorry for commuters who have to tolerate the rudeness of the private bus lobby in the city.

Stating that KSRTC is treated like an outsider and prevented from entering city limits, he said that even the court has placed a sty order on the introduction of KSRTC bus services, something that has not happened in any part of Karnataka.

The minister discussed the issue with DC Dr. N. S. Channappa Gowda and KSRTC officials and urged those concerned to take a final decision at the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) meeting on Feb 11.