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Private bus operators approaching court and staying every temporary permit obtained by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) for operating its buses in the rural routes of Udupi was objected to by activists during the Udupi Regional Transport Authority (RTA) meeting in Udupi on Wednesday (October 29). Udupi Deputy Commissioner and RTA Chairperson T.K. Swaroopa presided over the meeting. Representing Janawadi Mahila Sanghatane, T.K. Sheelavathi said that private operators do not operate their buses which have permits but move court objecting to the temporary permits obtained by the KSRTC. This has affected many people in rural areas who prefer to travel by KSRTC buses. The Deputy Commissioner said that people have raised the same matter in earlier RTA meetings. People have also complained that bus services of private operators in rural areas are not satisfactory. ‘‘Private operators have made it a habit to get a stay order on the permission given for operating KSRTC buses. It is not fair,” she said. Ms. Swaroopa said that private bus operators have no regard even for women and children who travel in their buses. Activists said that if KSRTC operated more rural services it would help many women travellers under the Shakti scheme. Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar took exception to the overloading of passengers in private buses and warned of strict police action in the coming days. Ms. Swaroopa said that the RTA meeting will be held on November 10. Representatives of Democratic Youth Federation of India and Centre of Indian Trade Unions demanded an increase in KSRTC buses.
