The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has taken a stern stance against the dismal state of public transport after officials themselves faced the daily struggles of commuters. RTO (Administration) Sandeep Saini has issued a 10-day ultimatum to vehicle operators, demanding immediate improvements in services or risking the cancellation of their vehicles’ fitness certificates.
The crackdown comes after RTO staff, as part of a new initiative, used public transport on June 5 (World Environment Day) and encountered rampant issues—overcrowding, harassment of women passengers, torn seats, reckless driving, and fare manipulation. A female staffer, Nikita Gusain, even faced rudeness from a Vikram driver when she objected to overloading.
Key Directives:
– Overloading banned: Vehicles must strictly adhere to seating capacity limits.
– Reserved seats for women: Operators must ensure dedicated seating for female passengers.
– Behavioral compliance: Drivers and conductors must treat passengers courteously.
– Vehicle maintenance: Defective seats and poor conditions must be fixed.
RTO Saini warned that enforcement teams will conduct inspections after the deadline, and non-compliant vehicles will face fitness cancellations. Transport associations, including city bus and Vikram operators, have been directed to enforce these changes promptly.
The move aims to restore dignity and safety in public transport, a long-standing demand of daily commuters.