Govt to consider demands of bus operators
20 Feb 2013 5:54 AM IST
The Delhi government on Tuesday agreed to favourably consider the demands of major bus operators who provide vehicles to schools across the city.
After a meeting with representatives of the Delhi Contract Carriage Association, Transport Minister Ramakant Goswami said majority of their demands have been met by the government.
The Association had said its members will stop plying buses for school duties as they will not be able to comply with the strict government guidelines for school buses.
Last month, the Delhi government had issued fresh guidelines – which will come in force from next month – for plying school buses to ensure safety of students.
Bus operators affiliated to Delhi Contract Carriage Association have a total of around 2,700 buses.
As per the guidelines, only drivers having five years of experience will be allowed to drive school buses and vans. Any driver who is challaned more than twice in a calendar year on account of certain violations like overtaking, jumping of red light and violating parking regulations will not be allowed to drive school buses.
Asked whether the government will not implement the guidelines, Goswami said grievances of the operators are being addressed.
As per the guidelines, drivers will have to wear a uniform and they must display their identity card while driving the vehicles. The name of the owner of the vehicle must also figure in the card.
Anybody challaned or charged with offences like over- speeding, drunk driving or driving dangerously or booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder will not be allowed to drive a school vehicle.
Further, school buses must display prominently that they are being used for ferrying school children.
After a meeting with representatives of the Delhi Contract Carriage Association, Transport Minister Ramakant Goswami said majority of their demands have been met by the government.
The Association had said its members will stop plying buses for school duties as they will not be able to comply with the strict government guidelines for school buses.
Last month, the Delhi government had issued fresh guidelines – which will come in force from next month – for plying school buses to ensure safety of students.
Bus operators affiliated to Delhi Contract Carriage Association have a total of around 2,700 buses.
As per the guidelines, only drivers having five years of experience will be allowed to drive school buses and vans. Any driver who is challaned more than twice in a calendar year on account of certain violations like overtaking, jumping of red light and violating parking regulations will not be allowed to drive school buses.
Asked whether the government will not implement the guidelines, Goswami said grievances of the operators are being addressed.
As per the guidelines, drivers will have to wear a uniform and they must display their identity card while driving the vehicles. The name of the owner of the vehicle must also figure in the card.
Anybody challaned or charged with offences like over- speeding, drunk driving or driving dangerously or booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder will not be allowed to drive a school vehicle.
Further, school buses must display prominently that they are being used for ferrying school children.
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