Karnataka

‘KSRTC city service will be a blessing for people in Mangalore’

In response to the Public Eye of November 5, Ravindra Kasaragod of Kottara Sankesh Road, Ashoknagar, says, if it really happens as promised by the Transport Minister, it will be a blessing for the people of Mangalore. These promises, however, are made when there are elections around and are forgotten immediately after the elections pass off. This promise serves to unite the bus-owners and gives room for speculations. The plan is then, generally shelved. The worst sufferers are the general public.

The private bus transport system in Mangalore is in utter chaos. The buses are very old and the steps too steep to climb. The rude behaviour of the conductors is well talked about. There is no control over the speed and the fatal accidents keep occurring on a daily basis. Non-fatal accidents are hushed up either by the owners or police. Overloading is very common and the worst sufferers are the sick, aged, women and children, he says. City services by KSRTC should be passenger-friendly. The drivers and conductors should be trained to be polite, helpful and punctual. The KSRTC drivers are certainly not rash and negligent. The people of Mangalore will certainly welcome KSRTC buses. We hope that the Government keeps up its promise, Mr. Ravindra says.

N.Prakash of Gurunagar, Konchadi Post, writes that KSRTC services in and around Mangalore may be complementary to the existing transport system. The competition by the KSRTC will make the crew of private buses courteous towards passengers. V. Narayana Holla of Mangalore says the news of KSRTC intending to introduce buses in the city and also between Mangalore and Udupi is welcome. The private buses are creating havoc on roads. Adhering to traffic rules is the last thing in their mind. The private bus drivers, conductors and cleaners act as if they are taking the passengers free of cost. Nobody can question them for anything. The KSRTC buses may not over-speed.

P.V. Anilkumar, accounts officer in M.R.P.L. also welcomes the Government’s move. KSRTC busses will be good and safe for commuters of Mangalore.

This will certainly set things right as stopping the busses at unscheduled places resulting in traffic jams will stop. People will be saved from the unruly behaviour of bus operators with passengers. This move by the authorities will certainly bring a certain degree of order to the present traffic woes in our city.

Lezzie Periera of Nanthur junction says that the drivers and conductors of private buses dictate terms to people. Their behaviour is rude and unethical. Their only concern is overtaking other buses. One has to prepare for the worst and thank God if one reaches destination safely. The elderly and the sick are not their concern.

The bus crew does not give time for passengers to get into or alight from the buses, barring a few good drivers and conductors.

Kavitha of NMPT staff colony, Panambur, terms the move as foolish and anti-people judging by the KSRTC service in nationalised routes. Monoply by the KSRTC will worsen the situation. Private bus service is pro-people, she says.

V. Kumaran of Vorkady says that the proposal should be welcomed with a pinch of salt. According to him, KSRTC is slow and irregular and crew members are affiliated to corrupt unions. KSRTC should improve its existing infrastructure first, he says.

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