Govt Buses introduced in city: Unfair on Private operators?

March 13, 2010

The State Government has decided to introduce more government buses in the twin districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. With Mangalore-Manipal Volvo and other government buses plying on Mangalorean routes, are Private oprtations in the region feeling the heat already? Safiya Naeem checks the scene.

The State Government’s proposal of launching Karnataka State Road Corporation (KSRTC) buses in and around the city of Mangalore has evoked mixed responses in the area.

R Ashok, the State Transport Minister had announced that six Government Volvo buses will be pressed into service between the city and Manipal. He also assured to take measures to run six new KSRTC buses on six different routes of the city of Mangalore including Talapady-Suratkal, Kunjatbail-Mangaladevi, State Bank-Tannerubavi, State Bank-Chelyaru-MRPL and Mangalore (AB Shetty Circle)-Amblamogeru.

While the general public and commuters welcomed the Government’s move, most of the owners and employees of the private buses seem to be opposing it.

“It really is the need of the hour. I congratulate the Transport Minister for his move. It is a very important and necessary decision. I welcome it,” an official who commutes daily between Suratkal and Mangalore said.

“I don’t mind whether it is Government or Private. Safety is my concern. I always prefer safety on wheels. I want to reach my destination safely on time” said another official.

“It is very bad experience to commute in crowded city busses. I am waiting for the proposed government bus” said Deepti, a student of a renowned college of the city.

“I hate these city bus conductors, especially young ones who always try to touch girls’ hands in the pretext of issuing tickets. I hate them. But I have no other option but to travel by these buses everyday” revealed another college going student on condition of anonymity.

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But, there are some other voices which also seek our attention equally.

"If only 6 Government busses started to run in and around the Mangalore city, we surely don’t face any problem, but if their numbers increased there will be competition between the Government and Service buses", said Mr. Harish, Secretary of Karavali Bus Employees Union.

“There are about 1380 service buses running in and around the city. Thousands of conductors and drivers are serving in these to lead their lives. Government must think about the future of these employees”, he said.

“Government should resolve the existing problems, and avoid new problems”, he added.

He also said that his union has decided to send a memorandum to R Ashok, the Transport Minister to reconsider his decision.

“Government should not steal our livelihood. If Private busses are cancelled because of Government’s move, we will lose our bread” said Bhaskar, a driver, expressing his fear.

Vijay, a conductor echoed the concern by saying “We don’t want to lose our job. This is our livelihood. We have to feed the members of our family.” If Government is ready to do alternative arrangement for us then we won’t object its move, he added.

“Taking appropriate measures in the interest of public is the duty of Government. Let it start new buses with a good intention. But if they are doing this only to intimidate bus owners, we condemn it”, said Mr. Vasantha Achary, the Secretary of Motor Transport Union.

Vishwanath Shetty of Bharatheeya Mazdoor Sangha (BMS), while contacted, said that the Government’s proposal may take time to come into effect.

“But if Government buses replace private buses, it is the responsibility of Government to arrange for an alternate option for those private bus employees who may lose their jobs because of this move”, he said, adding that “hundreds of private bus employees already lost their jobs in Kasargod, because of a similar move by the Kerala Government.

Traffic police officials also have a few woes to reveal. “We can’t oppose Government’s steps. We are servants the Government. But what should we do if traffic jams repeatedly occur everywhere? People blame us, not the Government. Why can’t the concerned officials take this issue seriously and do something to thwart the ever troubling traffic jam? We really can’t avert these jams as thousands of vehicles run on insufficient roads,” said a tired traffic police man on condition of anonymity.

“The Government should give priority to accomplish the pending and ongoing work of repairing roads. Otherwise our department will face lot of pressure. People need buses, but buses need good roads” said Mr. Siddappa, Sub Inspector of Traffic Police, Mangalore West.

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