Combined City Bus services in Udupi to help commuters

DHNS

Udupi, 15 July 2010: City buses plying in and around Udupi are indeed a mess with commuters cursing the inconveniences involved in the travelling. Conductors and drivers are more often seen in disputes and under pressure in the race along with other private buses. Unhealthy competition is an everyday state of affairs. Thanks to some of the City Bus Operators who have come forward to bring uniformity in the services offered by city buses thereby easing out the commuters’ annoy. In fact, Combined City Bus (CCB) services, the idea conceived by the bus operators to be introduced within couple of days may prove beneficial in this direction.

Speaking to media, RTO H N Ramesh informed that there are lots of complaints from the passengers regarding conductors’ arrogant behaviour among other issues. Majority rules and regulations introduced by RTA to lessen commuters’ problems are not followed by the bus operators. It is really a laudable effort by some of the bus operators who have decided to strictly implement the rules and regulations introduced by RTA, he added. The rules that are being introduced are uniformity in the rates of the tickets issued, compulsory checking at distinct intervals, no unhealthy competition between buses.

Besides, conductors and drivers will be made to attend recuperative camps to help them to heal out their stresses. Of the total 85 buses that are plying in the city limits, 35 city buses will be under CCB concept in the initial phase. As many as 10 checking inspectors and a manager will be in charge of all these activities. Subsequently, remaining buses will be brought under CCB control.

Normally seats reserved for women, aged and handicapped are occupied by others. Conductors and drivers are seen without uniform. Most of the times tickets are not issued. Competition between buses has resulted in uncontrolled speed limits. CCB is a ray of hope in easing out or at least minimizing these difficulties. Ramesh said the entire idea is based upon offering good services to passengers. The prime motto behind this is commuters’ benefits, he added.