Demand for legislation linking fares to diesel prices; action to be taken against misuse of All India Permit

Raipur, : The Transport Department held a meeting with all bus operators to discuss the demand for a fare increase on passenger buses. The department spoke with all operators individually and inquired about the difficulties they were facing in operating the buses.

Bus operators said the last fare increase by the Chhattisgarh government was in 2021. Due to the continued increase in the price of diesel, operators demanded a permanent law be enacted to increase or decrease passenger fares in line with the increase or decrease in the price of diesel.

The Transport Department said that a decision on the new fare rate will be taken soon after a comparative study of the rates of other states.

Strictness on All India Tourist Permit

The operation of the All India Tourist Permit was also discussed at the meeting. The department clarified that strict action will be taken if the All India Tourist Permit is operated as a stage carriage.

10 important instructions given to bus operators

In the meeting, the Transport Department asked the bus operators to compulsorily follow the instructions:

Women and Disabled Reservation

In each stage carriage, 25 percent of the capacity will be reserved for women passengers, and a sign stating "Reserved for Women" will be clearly displayed. A minimum of three seats should be reserved for persons with disabilities on each bus, and their boarding and deboarding facilities should be provided.

Ticket and record keeping

It will be mandatory to issue a pre-printed ticket to each passenger. The ticket will include the permit number, permit type, vehicle number, route, fare, ticket number, date of issue, and the conductor's name and signature. Ticket records must be kept for a minimum of two years.

Employee ID cards and uniforms

It will be mandatory to issue identity card and uniform to every driver and conductor, which will contain name, address, photo, license, badge number, permit details and validity.

In-vehicle information display

The vehicle owner's name, address, mobile number, permit number and type, permit validity, route, service details, police and transport helpline numbers should be clearly displayed on the vehicle's exterior. The driver, conductor, identification number, and helpline number should be displayed inside the vehicle.

Fire Safety and Emergency Exit

All passenger buses, sleeper coaches, and school buses must be equipped with emergency exit doors, emergency windows, roof escape hatches, emergency hammers, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, and first aid boxes in working condition. Obstructing emergency exits with welded structures, illegal partitions, extra seats, or other obstructions is strictly prohibited.

Fire Detection and Suppression System

As per the provisions of AIS-119, AIS-063 and AIS-135, it will be mandatory to have Fire Detection and Alarm System and Fire Detection and Suppression System installed in working condition in the applicable category of vehicles.

Ban on illegal structural modification

No illegal body modification, chassis extension, gangway obstruction, unauthorized conversion or other structural modification shall be made to the vehicle without the permission of the competent authority.

Compliance with permit conditions

All permit holders will ensure complete compliance with the prescribed permit conditions, approved route, timetable, passenger capacity and safety standards.

Directives of the Supreme Court and Human Rights Commission

The instructions issued regarding passenger safety, road safety and prevention of bus fire accidents should be strictly followed.

action as per rules

Violation of these rules will result in action being taken against the vehicle permit holder under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1994. This may include fitness suspension, license cancellation, vehicle seizure, punitive action and prosecution.

The transport department said that passenger safety is paramount and violation of rules will not be tolerated under any circumstances.