PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
To address the shortcomings in public transport including cleanliness and overcrowding, officials from the Regional Transport Office (RTO), Dehradun, have been travelling in public transport once a week, on Thursday, for some time now. This initiative has been observed to be successful, said regional transport officer (Administration) Sandeep Saini.
It is common for public transport in Dehradun city to experience overcrowding, lack of cleanliness, rash driving and other factors. The RTO in Dehradun has been making efforts to fill these gaps and make travel a comfortable experience for residents.
Talking to The Pioneer, Saini informed that the said gaps are truly a matter of concern. However, the situation is not worrisome, as they have been consistently working on this. He informed that since June 5, they have commenced an initiative in which the RTO staff use public transport every Thursday instead of their personal vehicle. Saini said that since the start of the initiative, he himself has been using public transport every Thursday. The public transport includes Vikrams, city buses and other modes.
“When the RTO staff use public transportation, they identify shortcomings and assess the other gaps as well as the driver’s behaviour,” Saini said. According to him, inspections conducted during these rides involve checking for overcrowding, reckless driving, disrespectful conduct and other factors. He stated that if any public transport is found lacking in these areas, the RTO takes swift action. If the RTO team is present along a route where issues may arise, they are notified and respond immediately.
Otherwise, a photograph of the public transport vehicle is taken, and based on that image, relevant details are extracted, prompting the involved individuals to report to the RTO office. He stressed that, in such cases, penalties and other actions are implemented against the public transport operators. Further, he said that instances of rude behaviour by drivers with commuters are also taken seriously.
Saini said that the success rate is currently high and the public transport drivers are focusing on fitness, cleanliness and addressing other issues. He also stated that this initiative will continue in the future.
