KSRTC passenger fare hike

Suchith Kidiyoor

Travelling in Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses is becoming more expensive with each passing year. For a change, fuel prices are not to blame. Instead, toll charges are the cause.

With new toll roads coming up in various parts of the state and outside, KSRTC has been forced to hike ticket prices. The KSRTC operates 7,011 services to various destinations in the state and outside. Officials say their buses pay toll at over 40 places.

K A Rajkumar, director (operations), says, “The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is not willing to exempt our buses from toll. We are paying toll on almost all busy highways and the amount adds up to a substantial sum.

“For example, on the Bangalore-Mumbai route, KSRTC buses pay toll at more than six points. Hence, we are adding toll charges to the ticket fare.”

On the Bangalore-Mumbai route, the toll works out to Rs 10 per passenger. On the Chennai route, each passenger shells out Rs 6 as toll charge.

An NHAI official said, “Though state transport undertakings have requested exemption from toll for their vehicles, we can't oblige. They do not fall under the category of non-commercial vehicles.”

The latest addition to the toll list is Chikballapur road.

Rajkumar said, “We operate around 300 buses on Chikballapur road. The major destinations are Chikkaballapur, Hyderabad, Bellary and Puttaparthi. If our buses have to pay toll, we are certainly going to increase the fare.”

If NHAI collects Rs 60 for the 22 km stretch, ticket prices may be hiked by up to Rs 2 per passenger.

Source: Bangalore Mirror

DTC Bus Ride-5

DL 1P - C 9791 is a brand new low-floor Tata Macropolo.

Was travelling from Mehrauli to Saket recently under Route No. 427 plying to Hazarat Nizamuddin Railway Station Terminus.

The non-a/c bus was naturally crowded because it was peak time.

I noticed two handbills stuck inside the bus just near the front door.

No, it was not a DTC notice, but a private one inviting prospective candidates to call up a particular mobile number for a suitable job in hoteliering.

Another handbill of the same "illegal advertiser" was pasted bang opposite the rear door. No passenger can miss it.

Definitely DTC officials have noticed this "illegal presence" of billboard. It appeared that some effort has been taken to "disfigure" - is that the right word? - and partly succeeded with the front door one.

I wonder whether "official action" initiated against the advertiser. If yes, I would like to know.

It is no secret who the advertiser is. It ought to be the advertiser himself/herself. Why should anyone else take the trouble of printing and pasting inside public transport?

The mobile number of the advertiser is printed boldly and legibly.

Catching up with him/her ought not to pose any challenges.

The financially weak DTC should look at enhancing its revenue by leasing out space to advertisers inside DTC buses - like they do in Delhi Metro. Not a bad idea.

With such a huge fleet, the reach is phenomenal. Why not?

Any tresspasser should be brought to book and imposed a heavy penalty.

Any takers?

Volvo Buses, costly option for KSRTC?

The 'Bus Day,' earlier scheduled to be held in city on Apr. 8 by the KSRTC Mysore Urban Division, will now be held on Apr. 9, according to M.N. Srinivas, KSRTC Divisional Controller.

As the Bus Day is being celebrated for the first time in city after the success of the Bus Day concept in Bangalore, KSRTC Managing Director Gaurav Gupta had convened a meeting of officials, NGOs and concerned citizens at the Deputy Commissioner's Office in Mysore on Mar. 22.

Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) member Vasanthkumar Mysoremath, who also took part in the deliberations, has given the following suggestions to make the Bus Day a success:

1. Condition of roads in Mysore City: Good roads help in a safe commuting experience. Bad roads lead to stress for drivers and tragic accidents have taken place in Mysore city due to roads being riddled with deep potholes. Vehicles will have to be slowed down and frequent shifting of gears results in consumption of extra fuel, carbon emission, climate change, environmental pollution, thus resulting in avoidable misuse of highly subsidised fuel supply.

There is an urgent need for asphalting the roads by authori-ties concerned so that public transport can be speeded up and become attractive for people to shift from other modes of private transport to public transport.

2. Volvo buses are uneconomical: It is reported that KS-RTC has incurred a cumulative loss of more than Rs. 27 crore in running Volvos and other hi-end air-conditioned buses. Volvo buses need smooth and velvety roads in order to get the best from their class of vehicles. Mysore's potholed roads are weakening the very structure/body of such hi-tech buses and their mileage/cost of running per km (2-3 kms per litre of fuel) is dismal.

Frequent substituion of dama-ged parts by Volvo are costing a fortune for KSRTC and it is bound by Annual Maintenance Contract agreement from the Volvo technicians and KSRTC mechanics are forbidden from touching these vehicles. Most of all, even with highly reduced fares (subsi-dised?), Volvos are not running to their full capacity.

3. Need for more decent ordinary buses: The need of the hour is clean, decent and fast moving ordinary buses for catering to the majority of commuters to help them reach their destinations. Time for introspection for KSRTC; Preference must be given to procure more number of ordinary buses and purchase of exorbitantly costly Volvos, Marcopolos and Mercedes Benz buses may be reconsidered and either deferred or cancelled until a congenial commuting environment is created.

At present, there is a highly stratified system of making avail-able proper transport system between urban and mofussil commuters. City Bus Stand has been remodelled at considerable cost whereas the neighboring mofussil bus stand is in shambles and buses running to such destinations are invariably worn out ones that are not properly maintained with hygiene. This needs to be corrected immediately and a sense that all commuters are equal must be imbibed.

4. JnNURM Funds and Mega Structures: In the name of creating infrastructure and for utilising sizeable JNNURM funds, mega concrete structures are being constructed in the form of TTMCs in different corners of Mysore City; their grotesque designs not keeping with the architectural and heritage values of Mysore. Buses do not run on storeyed buildings, they have to run on well-laid roads catering to the basic need of commuting.

Moreover, people use bus stations as transit points and they have no time for shopping or for hanging out. They need frequent fast moving transport system.

Therefore, it is necessary to give importance for creating good sheltered, clean and neat bus stations with minimum needs of decent seating arrangement, clean toilets and drinking water facility. This should be the priority of city service since it is wedded to the cause of social responsibility of providing decent commu-ting experience to the masses. This will infuse confidence in the minds of people and they will get attracted towards public transport.

5. Facilities in buses: Disabled-friendly infrastructure at bus stations, first-aid kits in buses (at present majority of the buses do not have first-aid kits even though rules prescribe providing the same in all buses), fire fighting facility, drinking water facility in buses are some of the needs of the commuters.

6. KSRTC has to develop long term perspective plans: It is reliably predicted that with business as usual, fossil fuel crude oil will be in short supply in about 20 years. This is bound to create a huge gap between demand and supply for petroleum products like diesel, petrol and kerosene. Fuel in future will cost a fortune and not all people will be able to afford the exorbitant cost for running their private vehicles. Thus they will be looking up to public transport system for their commuting needs.

There is bound to be a slump in two-wheel / four-wheel industry due to less demand. This is where KSRTC has to step in and cater to the huge demand. For this, it will be necessary to create a congenial environment for public transport from now itself.

7. Behaviour of crew: Even though KSRTC is organising periodical trainings in different aspects of behavioural science, many of them behave in a rough and tough manner with commuters. Many drivers, particularly in mofussil buses, smoke or keep chewing ghutka or paan, spitting and / or talking on mobile phones while driving with one hand. This is unbecoming of public servants. Periodical checking and taking corrective measures will instill confidence in minds of public.

Many conductors do not carry enough coins of different deno-minations. They cleverly do not hand over the change while issuing tickets, stay inside the bus and signal to driver to move, even while commuters would have alighted and waiting for the change; in some cases, he adds up a few of commuters' change, hands over a currency note to distribute among themselves.

Some conductors shout at the commuters when a hapless commuter hands out a higher deno-mination currency note. These things have to be set right so that people will be happy to see a crew who are courteous.

Another rude behaviour is when ladies or senior citizens complain about able-bodied people occupying seats reserved for them, the conductor never responds and shouts back at them to keep quiet since he cannot make those unauthorised occupants vacate the seats. When he is an official, he has every right to uphold the law and it is his business to come to the rescue of those helpless souls.

In some neighboring States, even though ladies seats are vacant, men do not occupy them. This problem needs rectification through proper checks.

8. Non-stoppage of buses at Bus Stops/Shelters: Buses are not keeping their schedules either for want of crew or good buses. Cluttering of a number of buses on the same route are noticed; TCs may be phasing out the trips but drivers either drive speedily and overtake other buses without stopping their buses at the bus stops or by stopping them far away. Some buses skip the bus stops.

For example, Andolana newspaper has constructed a bus stop on Ramanuja Road and except for a few city buses, other mofussil buses do not stop even though many villagers wait after taking treatment etc. from JSS Hospital. Drivers do not pick up commuters even though they hold up their hand as a request. Such behaviours need correction.

If the above suggestions are considered and adopted, people will be happy to find their public transport attractive and may make every day a Bus Day.

Courtesy: voiceofmysore.com

Ircon "Mangalored"!

Letter to The President, KCCI, Mangalore.

Dear Sir,

Sub: Report on Representation at “District Level Road Safety” Meeting on 13/04/2011.

Issues raised on inferior quality of four way lane highway vide letter bearing reference No.: PS/KCCI/001/2011 dated 13/04/2011 Constructed under “New Mangalore Ort Connectivity Project of NHAI by M/s Ircon is taken very seriously and Committee consisting of Senior officials from RTO, Commisionarate of Police, D.K. District Police, M.C.C., PWD and KCCI is formed by the Honable District Commissioner to inspect the poor quality from highway from B.C. Road to Surathkal, and report to District Administration.

In turn, District Administration will take up matter with NHAI based on the contents of report.

NHAI was represented by Mr. P.Geprge Modayil, Team Leader, Sai Consulting Engineers Pvt Ltd., Preoject Office: D.No.: 2-2-72/14, Bishop Compound, Yeyyadi, Konchady Post, Mangalore -575008 (phone : 0824-2201010 Fax: 2224011 Cell: 9448058113 E-mail: mangalore@saiindia.com & modayali49@Yahoo.co.in. He was taken aback by all present when started defending the quality of construction by giving absurd explanations.

After, through discussion, it was decided to hold a Joint inspection on, Monday, 18th April 2011. Senior officials nominated by the concerned authorities will meet at Circuit Ho at 10.00 A.M. use, Kadri Hills, Mangalore and then to proceed to B.C. Road to start the task which will terminate at Surathkal. I have taken up the responsibility of preparing the report based on the observations of all concerned in the presence of Mr. Modayil.

The report will be signed by all concerned after completion of inspection. Mr. Modayil will sign as an authorized person from NHAI as proof for existing defects.

My letter No.: PS/KCCI/001/2011 dated 13/04/2011 is attached for your ready reference. It supersedes previous developments, as my complaint now registered with Vigilance Department of NHAI under complaint No.: OTH#313 dated 05/04/2011.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Sd/…


(Praveenchandra Shetty)
Chairman,
Road Safety Sub-Committee, KCCI.
Praveenchandra Shetty
D.M.E. (Auto Tech), A.I.I.S.A.
Surveyor/Loss Assessor (Motor)
311- Kunil Complex,
Bendoorwell, Mangalore – 575 002
Tel: (O) 2437237/Fax: 4271377 Cell: 9845294577
e-mail : surveyorshetty@hotmail.com

--

Letter sent on: 07/04/2011

Mr. Subhodh Yadav, IAS
Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada District &
President, D.K.District Level Road Safety Committee,
Mangalore - 575 001.

Respected Sir,

Reg: D.K. District Level Road Safety Committee Meeting-Issues & Suggestions.

We thank you very much for your invitation to participate in this D.K. District Level Road Safety Committee meeting on 07/04/2011 at D. C. Office Hall, Mangalore.

I take this opportunity to bring it to your kind notice the following issues and my suggestions to prevent such occurrences based on the technical study carried out by me in the following issues:

1. Catastrophic Flood at Kodial Gutthu Surrounding:

The said flood was witnessed by the citizen of Mangalore, last year for the first time since last two decades. Torrential rains in the last year poured for almost 6 moths (as against normal 4 moths) caused this flood. Rain water canal is filled with abundant quantity of dumped debris from construction activities throughout its length. This has reduced its capacity to allow free flow of rain water in terms of volume per minute. Hence thorough cleaning of rain water canal running from Anegundi to Bunder (running through Bejai, Kodialbail, Bhojarao Lane, Alake till it joins sea) is warranted.

2. Catastrophic Flood at Lohit Nagar, Kottra Chowki, Malemar & 4th Mile Surrounding:

Water logging at this area is caused due to blockage of free flow of rain water due to construction roads without proper open rain water drain and housing sites in the locality. Free flow of rain water from Lohit Nagar is blocked at Malemar on eastern side of highway, which finds its way to sea via a canal that runs by the side of service road (road connecting Kottra Chowki- Maladi) and crosses N.H.No.: 17 near 4th Mile, to join sea through the canal running by the side of a vacant site (once leveled to construct Mangalore Stock Exchange). Water from eastern side of highway is blocked from entering this canal from Kottra Chowki Junction till culvert at 4th Mile due to conversion of low lying fields into housing sites, raising the ground height by around 2 to 3 feet. Hence free passage to flow of rain water needs to be provided.

3. Damage to Shirady Ghat during monsoon:

During monsoon, surface hardness of road reduces due to entry of rain water molecules into earth. Tractor/Trailers, means a combination of Vehicle Horse and Bullet tank (vehicles manufactures with 6 wheels on chassis coupled with trailer having 8 wheels; i.e. 14 wheels in all); cause irreparable damage to road on curves & hair-pin bends. Since these trailing axles are not fitted with differential unit consisting of crown/pinion/star gears, they drag the soil sideways on the turnings (as direction of horse changes with respect to rear trailer on curves 7 hair pin bends). This remained as the main cause of damage to curves & hair-pin turns in Shirady Ghat and for all ghat sections in our country, for all these years.

Hence, prohibition on movement of Tractor-Trailer (3515/3516 Trailers) having combination of 14 wheels should be implemented during monsoon. Alternatively, Transportation of LPG by bullet tanker built on Multi Axle Trucks (M/A) with 10 Wheels (2515/2516 drive Away chassis) only to be allowed during monsoon.

Tractor–Trailer combination is meant for long hauling on straight stretch of roads on level terrain. They are unsafe (gets detached and ruptures into two parts on curves), dangerous (causes more number of accidents enroute) and



un-suitable (causes more traffic congestions enroute) to be used on Mangalore-Bangalore Road (to be précised between B.C.Road and Hassan). These tractor-trailer vehicles cause extensive loss to NHAI in terms of higher cost of annual road maintenance.

4. Inferior quality of fly-over Bridges at Kuntikan & Kottra Chowki Junctions:

Build quality of both these fly-over bridges are not acceptable in any existing industry standard. Approach ramps and exit landings are very dangerous by way of un-intended concave pockets. Uniform thicknesses of tarred surface within the spans are not maintained. Span edges are at different levels on their adjoining edges. Surface levels of spans are miserably inclined to several directions on a horizontal plane. Tarred surface have inherent defect by means of circular minute ditches. Vehicles bounce up at the entry point, ramble along the bridge between the spans and get pressed down all of a sudden and lift up violently at exit point. M/s Ircon should first learn the technique of road building from M/s L&T or M/s GMR before proceeding with pending construction of fly-over at work Kulur Junction & at Surathkal City. (from the road built by these two companies between Bangalore & Hyderabad).

5. Traffic Circle at K.P.T Junction:

Width of passage around the circle is much smaller than that of approach roads. Passage at circle is inadequate to maneuver two vehicles running side by side simultaneously. Road to Circuit-House from this circle is off-centered. Islands around the circle, between the approach roads are out of shape in totality. This junction does not qualify to be fit for safer use in any manner as poses severe danger to motorists, especially for traffic entering from other cities/towns/states. Hence, this circle need to be corrected as per guidelines of IRC.

6. Surface level of stretch of road between KPT Junction & Padav School Junctions:

Little less than 1.5 Kms. of stretch of road (in North-South direction) is built with three different surface levels. Vehicle bounces upwards thrice on these edges. In fact, this was the easiest stretch to construct without any slope/curve/obstruction. Hence, these defects need to be rectified.

7. White Paint on Lane Marking:

Lane marking along the newly constructed highway is almost disappeared within 3-4 months of use due to poor quality of paint used for the task. As these mark act as indicator to judge the direction of road during night driving; the purpose of same is not served and miserably defeated. Hence, repainting need to be carried out using paint approved by NHAI.

8. Use of round marble pebbles as soling between Maroli & Nathoor:

Use of round marble pebbles reduces force of bonding on the sole of tar road. As heavy vehicles pass through this road, the pebbles slide sideways and give rise to potholes in monsoon. Abundant quantities of pebbles are used in this stretch as against graded sand, to save on cost of construction by compromising on quality and neglecting specifications. Hence, this stretch needs intervention of Chief Vigilance Officer of NHAI.

We request you to kindly look into the matter and oblige.

In anticipation of safer roads, we remain.

Yours sincerely,




(Praveenchandra Shetty)
Chairman, Road Safety Sub-Committee,
KCCI, Mangalore.
CC:
Mr. Seemanth Kumar Singh, Commissioner of Police, Mangalore.
Mr. Labhu Ram, Superindent of Police, Dakshina Kannada District.
Mr. K.N.Vijayaprakash, Commissioner, MCC, Mangalore.
Mr. Buluvali, RTO, Mangalore.
Mr. Alok Prasad, Chief Vigilance Officer, NHAI, New Delhi.

DTC Bus Ride-4

Two positives. Rather two cheers, I wish to share.

One, I notice stricter implementation of uniform code for Drivers and Conductors. I appreciate that. A uniformed crew gives a professional image to any organisation. DTC, no doubt is a business outfit, owned by government.

State PSUs ought not to present a lackadaisical look. It can be run profitably through better look and feel.

When I travel, I look at it as an experience. Like I do when I visit cinema halls or multiplexes. Not just to see movies, but to soak in the ambience.

Similarly, all of us in a way get into a different zone when he travel: short or long ride.

That's where the look and feel comes to play a big role.

I recollect the uniformed, clean-shaven drivers of Dubai bus services. Most of them Pakistanis, they are polite, English speaking (not insisting that DTC drivers must speak Queen's English!) and wearing ties!

Though weather conditions are too hot even at the height of so-called wintery months, the full-fledged airconditioned buses afford them the luxury of sporting ties.

By the way, most of the Dubai buses were conductor-less. Drivers themselves tickets. But a large segment of commuters go for smart cards.

Entry into bus is only through the front door (closer to the driver).

Check out http://gulfdiary.blogspot.com to read my Dubai bus ride two years ago.

Secondly, I noticed that Mehrauli bus terminal is bereft of private buses which occupied or blocked space causing challenges for DTC buses to enter and exit.

I hope private bus operators have permanently shifted out their de-licensed buses from Mehrauli.

NOw, I think it is time for DTC to get the roads within the Terminal laid out.

DTC, what do you say?

DTC Online Survey Inadequate - Response

A DTC official responds:

Yes, we do appreciate that not many bus commuters have access to internet.

We have conducted surveys on 200 plus bus routes wherein we have spoken to commuters from all strata of society and of different age groups. We have also done passenger counts etc. as well. So, to put in your terms, we have done surveys in the conventional manner.

The online survey is a attempt to reach out to those who want to tell us more. We get the opportunity to get the viewpoint of metro passengers and those people who we could not meet during the primary surveys. And, so far, touchwood, the response is very interesting.

I have just glanced at your blog. I understand it is your own webpage and you have all rights to write anything you please. But may I request you to write some positive things too. We are trying to improve the bus services and any input from a commuter is useful. Please ask your readers, colleagues, friends, relatives, acquaintances and likewise to participate in the Online Survey, and they may write to us as well.

DTC Online Survey Inadequate

Are you tired of waiting for a DTC bus in your locality or do you think the frequency of low floor buses in your locality is not adequate and needs to be increased?

If you have any such grievances, then Delhi Transport Corporation, which runs the world's largest fleet of environment friendly CNG buses, is ready to take your inputs to improve its services.

DTC in collaboration with Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System Ltd, which was set up to suggest improvements in transport infrastructure, has launched an online passenger opinion survey seeking opinion of the commuters to improve bus transport services.

A DTC official said anybody staying in Delhi can participate in the survey which has been launched primarily to rationalize bus routes and improve services of the 6,500 strong bus fleet.

Currently, DTC operates on 657 bus routes which were finalized almost 15 years back and the government-run operator now wants to rationalize the routes to reflect the "changed transport" scenario in the city..

"Now we have an extended metro network. We felt that there is a need to rationalize the bus routes. We will have to cut down number of buses in routes parallel to metro network," said a Transport department official.

By participating in the online survey, a commuter will be able to suggest measures to improve the city bus services.

The DTC official said rationalization of the existing routes was felt necessary as an ambitious cluster bus service, to be run by corporate entities, is also being launched.

"We will finalize new bus routes based on findings of the survey. People should participate in the survey so that we know the requirements and difficulties being faced by the people," said the official.

The ambitious cluster bus service to be run by corporate entities and seen as replacement for the "killer" Blueline fleet, is expected to begin its service from May in several areas of the city.

Delhi government had last year divided nearly 650 bus routes across the city into 17 clusters, each comprising profitable and non-profitable routes and decided to give each cluster to a private operator.

Three corporate entities were already given contract to operate the service in five clusters.

The buses under cluster service will have an on-board passenger information system on the lines of Delhi Metro through which commuters will be able to know various information like upcoming bus stops and expected time of arrival etc.

The service is seen as a replacement for the Blueline buses, most of which are already removed from the city roads.

Courtesy: http://news.outlookindia.com/printitem.aspx?718646

What percentage of DTC commuters have access to web?

Why not shoe in the conventional paper and pen/pencil method too?

DTC: Loss Rs.100 per km!

Delhi Transport Corporation - the Capital's sole public transport operator - is bleeding. It suffers a loss of Rs100 for each kilometre it travels. And experts say, another fare hike will not help. The last one - in 2009 - had resulted in a 70% increase in fare.

The swanky, air-conditioned low-floor buses zipping across the city might have made traveling by public transport more comfortable for Delhiites, but they have failed to turn around DTC's fortunes.

In a review of the performance of 36 State Road Transport Undertakings (SRTU) during April 2009-March 2010 carried out by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, DTC has come out as the highest loss maker, incurring a loss of Rs2,110 crore. Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking ranks second with losses to the tune of Rs477.95 crore followed by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation at Rs424.58 crore.

The top three profit makers in the list are Maharashtra Road Transport Corporation which earned a profit of Rs135 crore, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Rs65.13 crore) and Karnataka SRTC (Rs48.85 crore). The total losses incurred by the 36 SRTUs put together increased by 47% last year from Rs3,209 crore in 2008-09 to Rs4,716 crore in 2009-10.

In 2009-2010, the loss incurred by DTC per day per bus was Rs15,051 - which was equal to the combined losses of road transport corporations of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat , Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. This despite DTC running not even half as many buses as these states and increasing its fare by 70% in November 2009.

DTC officials say that a bulk of its expenditure, about 49%, is on account of the interest the cash-strapped DTC has to pay the government annually on the loan it takes to run the public transport fleet. "DTC has been getting loan from the Delhi government since 1996 to support its day-to-day expenses. In 2009-10, the interest DTC paid was nearly Rs1,435," said an official.

Transport experts say poor debt management coupled with high establishment cost and mismanagement has bled the public transport operator. "DTC's staff-to-bus ratio is one of the highest in the country. Also, there is no scientific route planning done which adds to the loss," said PK Sarkar, Department of Transport Planning, School of Planning & Architecture.

As per the report, DTC's staff-to-bus ratio is also one of the highest amongst the 36 SRTUs. On an average there are seven staffers deployed for each DTC bus as against the ideal figure of five. This is one of the main reason behind DTC's high establishment cost.

Overall, the report has found that public transport systems in 36 major cities, despite getting staggering sums for modernization, have failed to make profits due to high establishment cost, poor management and wastage. "The SRTUs have to become self sustaining to give a boost to the country's public transport system. Take Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation; with innovative ideas and proper management, they are running an efficient bus transport network. The model can be replicated elsewhere too," said Sarkar.

"In order to improve the efficiency and performance of public sector bus mode transport system, there is a need to improve vehicle technology, change of fleet composition in favour of new and more fuel efficient buses and strengthening of inspection and maintenance practices," the report recommends.

Courtesy: http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/683695.aspx
© Copyright 2010 Hindustan Times

READ ALSO:

http://myroadiary.blogspot.com/2011/04/fake-licences-among-dtc-drivers.html

http://myroadiary.blogspot.com/2011/04/dtc-faults-ashok-leyland-buses.html

http://myroadiary.blogspot.com/2011/04/dtc-ride-1.html

http://myroadiary.blogspot.com/2011/04/dtc-ride-2.html

http://myroadiary.blogspot.com/2011/04/dtc-ride-3.html

DTC Bus Ride-3

Last week, it was.

I got into 463 EX around noon (DL1P B6687) for a short journey from Mehrauli to Saket Metro.

Surprisingly,both conductor and were in full uniform and elderly too.

At Qutub stop, a teenager got in with a HDPE gunny bag and sat in the last row.

He did not bother to purchase a ticket, despite constant shouts from conductor to "take one".

The bus was almost empty and hence this teenager's entry and non-purchase of ticket certainly attracted conductor's attention and ire.

Turning towards him, he demanded to know whether the teenager has a ticket.

He received no response.

By then, we were at Ladoo Sarai Crossing stop.

A few more students entered and declared that they are "pass holders".

Now the conductor walked up to the teenager and wanted to know his status: ticket or ticketless.

Teenager again kept mum.

The conductor shook him and bluntly told him: "Look at him. Agar aap ticket nahi leingi tho, woh saab mujhe naukri de nikal wa deya ga!"

Interestingly, the guy whom he pointed out to the teenager was none other than yours sincerely!

Sensing trouble, the teenager bought a ticket - much to the amusement of the conductor and the kids returning home from school.

As I got up to get down at Saket metro, the teenager caught my hand to ask: "Aap sach much inspector hai kya?"

Everyone in the bus laughed. I too joined them.

Fake licences among DTC drivers!

After criticism from the traffic police for the increasing number of accidents by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, the corporation is facing heat from within its ranks. Instances of licences that didn't sustain verification have now prompted the DTC to set up an internal vigilance inquiry into licences submitted by over 2,000 drivers. While the inquiry report is still awaited, sources said that initial findings have shown that some of the licences submitted were fakes.

Top sources in the transport department said that the matter came to light some months ago during a routine verification. The official said, "The details submitted (by one of the drivers) showed that the licence had been issued from the state licensing authority in Manipur.

But the man had no knowledge of the state. So the issuing authority was contacted for verification, and it was found that no such licence had been issued to the driver." After this incident, several other "suspicious" licences were sent for verification. Sources in the DTC confirmed that one such licence issued from Bulandshahr has already been found to be false. The official added, "The licences which are being verified were issued not only from Manipur and Nagaland but also from the neighbouring states of Haryana, UP and Rajasthan."

Interestingly, a large number of the cases that have come under cloud are of drivers who were recruited through the Delhi State Subordinate Services Board (DSSSB). The recruitment exam for the DSSSB had taken place in 2009 but results were only announced late last year. DTC officials claimed, however, that only a part of the licences being verified were of drivers recruited through the DSSSB. A government official added, "The board doesn't verify the licences from the issuing authority but only tests the skills of the applicant." Sources, however, say that this is the first time that such a large-scale verification of licences has been carried out, especially of those coming in through the board. "It's a serious matter, and we are hoping to weed out the culprits soon," added the official.

Not surprisingly, officially, the department says the verification is a "routine" drive. The official said, "Licences of almost 2,000 drivers are being verified on a routine basis." Sources though claim that the internal vigilance report will be coming in shortly, and that action was expected to be taken as soon as the findings were made available. Meanwhile, the inquiry has put a hiatus on current recruitment in the DTC, admitted officials.

Courtesy: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Licence-scam-in-DTC-Vigilance-probe-ordered/articleshow/7964820.cms??prtpage=1

DTC faults Ashok Leyland buses

An alarmed Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has told Delhi high court that almost the entire fleet of Ashok Leyland buses needs to undergo fresh checks since over 100 of them have failed a crucial fire safety test.

Filing an affidavit in this regard before the high court, the DTC through its counsel Sumeet Pushkarna has now sought the court's nod to perform checks on 1093 Ashok Leyland buses that were slated to join the DTC's low-floor fleet of public transport in the capital. A division bench headed by Justice A K Sikri has sought a response on the issue from the state government and the private manufacturer by April 21.

The affidavit tells HC a "faulty wiring" lies at the core of the failure of the buses in fire safety checks and justifies withholding payment of balance amount to the manufacturers on this ground. Saying that public safety is of paramount concern, the DTC conveyed its apprehensions about the new Ashok Leyland fleet after it came to know 116 buses had failed the test. "Public safety and proper use of public revenue is more important. Considering the complexity of the matter, criminal investigation and public revenue the payments have been kept on hold," the affidavit concludes, urging HC to intervene in the matter.

Just before the Commonwealth Games last year, the issue of safety of Ashok Leyland buses had come to the fore in the backdrop of DTC's plan to induct more than 1000 such buses to make up for phasing out of Blueline buses. Things worsened with the CBI swooping down on Leyland officials accused of bribing experts of Central Institute of Road Transport.

CBI slapped the accused with charges of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy, alleging some of the experts were bribed in order to get a green signal on the worthiness of material used in the buses. In its FIR the CBI named three experts from CIRT and two Leyland officials who allegedly connived to hide the fact that some of the samples had failed fire safety tests.

Adds Harish V Nair, Hindustan Times:

Safety concerns were first raised by senior lawyer Kailash Vasdev who was assisting the court in Blueline phase-out matter as amicus curiae. This was when DTC was set to procure 1,300 Ashok Leyland buses before the CWG.

Pointing out that the CBI was investigating the role of three technical experts from CIRT and two Leyland officials, it was contended that samples of the plywood had failed the fire safety tests and were found to be highly inflammable.


The affidavit filed in court by DTC counsel Sumeet Pushkarna said: "Considering the complexity of the matter involving contractual obligations, criminal investigation and public safety and public revenue, payment have been kept on hold. Public safety and proper use of public revenue is more important."

Leyland told the court it was using the highest quality of material and assured that it itself will take corrective steps in the 116 buses which failed the fire test. A bench headed by justice AK Sikri directed all parties to sit together, discuss the issue and come back to court. The bench said it will give directions on safety aspect on April 21, the next date of hearing.

Courtesy: Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Low-floor-buses-need-recheck-DTC-to-HC/articleshow/7964644.cms
Courtesy: http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/684525.aspx

DTC Ride-2

It is easy to make sweeping statements. Generalisation from few live experience is the common method. Empirical studies have to be done consistently over a period of time to arrive at any conclusion.

So, why not I build up a proper database or dossier on DTC buses in which I commute? Here's the first dispatch.

Travel date:April 7, 2011
Route No: 427
Destination: From Mehrauli Terminal to Nizamuddin Railway Station
Bus Registration No. DL1P C7218
Time of Travel: 0915 hours
Airconditoned Bus temperature inside: 21 degree celsius
Passage: From Mehrauli Terminal to Saket Metro
Fare: Rs.10

Well, both driver and conductor were in late 50s.

Driver was uniformed. Not the conductor.

Pleasantly surprised to witness the conductor walking down the aisle to issue tickets. By the way, the bus was packed at Mehrauli terminal itself because it was peak hour.

The coolness inside bus was perfect.

Once the bus moved out of terminal, conductor resumed his Buddha-like posture and seldom moved out of his seat!

In terms of cleanliness, it was neat and clean inside. Exterior was passable.

Questions:

Why the conductor was not wearing uniform? Is not mandatory?

Does DTC authorities conduct periodic checks to ensure the mandatory uniform rule is strictly followed??

Has any disciplinary action routine is in place?

If yes, how many have been challened so far?

DTC Ride-1

I was one of the happiest citizens of Delhi when the Indian capital commenced the brand new red-coloured Airconditioned city bus service coinciding with the Commonwealth Games 2010.

However, of late the service levels have fallen.

This in turn prompted me to write to the authorities (see below) early this week.

Attn: Mr Naresh Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, DTC

Dear Mr Kumar,

I wish to bring to your notice two issues pertaining to airconditioned (red) buses in the city route

1. As we all know, summer has set in. DTC drivers in the saddle of airconditoned buses randomly switch off and switch on airconditon buses during the day. When confronted, they claim that it is too much of cold for them. In the process passengers suffer for no fault of theirs. Another related issue is the practice of keeping the aisle window next to the driver's seat open even if the aircondition is switched on. The very purpose of providing cool environment is defeated. None of the drivers listen to conductors. Why the public should pay a premium rate and suffer.

Perhaps it is time, DTC puts in a mechanism to check/monitor misuse of a/c facility in your fleet.

2. Having lived in Chennai and Bombay for several years and travelled in city bus servcies (Pallavan/Chennai and BEST/Bombay), I failed to understand the reluctance or refusal of conductors to walk up the aisle for distribution of tickets in DTC buses. This in the process puts a strain on passengers to crowd around conductors who unfortuantely are seated near the rear door. It will be good for conductors to walk a bit from the health angle.

3. Cleanliness of fleet is pathetic. Please travel once in a while unannounced and see for yourself. Dirty from inside and dirty from outside.


4. The misuse of DTC terminus space by denotified Blue LIne fleet. The less said the better. Visit Mehrauli Bus Terminal (where I live and commute from). Even today, many denotified Blue Line buses occupy premium space iinside DTC terminus. The road within DTC terminus is perpetually in bad condition. Needless to say that such bad roads within the terminus cause severe damage to DTC vehicles.

Mr Kumar, the fleet is public property and the billboard inside hammers this point with heavy emphasis.

I request you to look into this and revert.