Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 16: A delegation from the All J&K Passengers’ Welfare Association (AJKPWA), led by its president Pt RC Sharma and Secretary General Inderjeet Sharma, called on the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Jammu, Jasmeet Singh and discussed various pressing issues related to passenger welfare.
The delegation highlighted the need for transporters to be held accountable for ensuring that services operate regularly and on time, especially the last bus service of the day. They pointed out that the behaviour of drivers and conductors towards elderly passengers is often inappropriate, emphasizing the importance of upholding the dignity of all passengers. The deputation also stressed the need to set a minimum age limit of 28 years for drivers of passenger vehicles.
They also called for a 50 percent fare concession for students on all days. In addition, the delegation recommended the establishment of passenger complaint cells at each tehsil headquarters, installation of GPS and CCTV systems in all passenger vehicles.
The deputation further recommended that a Passenger Welfare Fund be created, with contributions from transporters. They called for the identification of fixed stops for passenger vehicles operating in cities and proposed a blanket ban on playing loud music in these vehicles.
Other suggestions included installing complaint boxes by the Traffic Department in every vehicle, introducing annual training for drivers and conductors on passenger interaction, and imposing strict penalties for overloading on the rooftops of passenger vehicles. Furthermore, they called for Rs 25,000 penalty and immediate license cancellation for drivers caught using mobile phones while driving.
In a separate demand, the delegation requested the immediate commencement of a bus service from GMC Bakshi Nagar to Karloop village in Marh Block, aimed at providing relief to the residents of Karloop and nearby villages.
The RTO Jammu attentively listened to the concerns and assured the delegation that he would initiate actions based on the issues raised in the memorandum and work towards making the operations of the Transport Department more passenger-friendly.
Other prominent members of the deputation who participated in the meeting included Ashwani Sharma, Prem Singh, Dalip Sharma, Sanjay Sharma, Suesh Singh, and Parveen Raina.
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