Tata Magic operators start applying for conductor licenses after High Court order

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

 The operators of Tata Magic cabs have started applying for licenses to deploy conductors as per the recent High Court order, the president of the Tata Magic Union, Rajendra Kumar said. The court issued the order in response to petitions filed by bus owners in the city who claimed that the Transport department issued stage carriage permits to these cabs against the law.

The petitioners, including Dehradun City Bus Union president Vijay Vardhan Dandriyal, opposed the classification of Tata Magic vehicles as buses. They argued that these vehicles operate differently from regular buses as they depart once they gather a few passengers. They claimed that the Tata magic operators also pick up passengers including from Delhi, Rishikesh or private events that reportedly violates operational norms and disrupts bus stand management. Dandriyal claimed that thousands of Tata Magic vehicles in Dehradun occupy bus stand space and divert passengers from regular buses, causing financial losses for established operators.

The petitioners requested the cancellation of permits issued to Tata Magic vehicles to maintain fair regulation and support traditional bus services. However, Kumar has claimed that the Transport department has clarified in court that Tata Magic vehicles received stage carriage permits according to Motor Vehicles rules. He added that the operators will comply with the court’s directions to have drivers and conductors wear uniforms, hire eligible conductors, and follow all relevant rules.

“The petition filed by bus drivers is not bothering anyone except the public. The city bus operators should understand that people avoid city buses and prefer Tata Magic vehicles because they feel more convenient. The conditions of their buses are getting worse with each passing day and that is not our fault. I also believe that our vehicles do not need conductors like buses but we will comply with the court order.” 

Kumar also informed that the next hearing is scheduled for October 17, when the Tata Magic operators will present their side in court.