By Our Reporter
Shillong: Taking cognizance of complaints from commuters regarding the non-issue of tickets by conductors of the SPTS buses, the Transport department has decided to conduct surprise inspection on the buses.
Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Transport Minister AT Mondal said, “We have to keep a strict check on such matters to ensure that bus fares collected from commuters do not remain unaccounted for.”
Asking the commuters to demand ticket from conductors, the Minister said a fine of Rs 50 plus the fare would be charged from any passenger who travels on the buses without tickets. “The commuters should demand for ticket from conductors immediately after paying the fare to avoid the fine,” he added.
He further mentioned that if any passenger did not have enough money to pay the fine, they would be required to provide their name, address and phone number to the traffic personnel on duty at the disembarkation point, so that they could pay the fine later on.
“I feel this is necessary as there will be instances where a person would forget to carry money but if they are let off without the fine then others will follow suit,” Mondal said.
“Action would also be taken against any conductor not found issuing tickets to the commuters,” Mondal said, even as he appealed to the commuters to pay the exact fare for the route so that the process of issuing tickets becomes speedy.
“It is the Government’s prerogative to ensure that the SPTS does not collapse but at the same time it is necessary to ensure that the service remains sustainable for the benefit of the commuters.” He added.
Commenting on the allegations of overloading, Mondal said the buses are designed to carry many passengers unlike the small local taxies. “We will ensure that the buses are not overcrowded and ply as per the rules laid by the Traffic department,” he said.
Mondal also mentioned that a note would be put up on every bus to give seating priority to ladies, old and handicapped people.
