RAICHUR: Transport Minister H M Revanna said the state government will “order closure of online bookings for private buses” ferrying passengers across Karnataka. He was speaking in Raichur after he took part in Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations on Wednesday.
“Due to the availability of online booking for private buses, state-run corporations are facing revenue loss. Passengers are opting for private operators as tickets are available online,” he said.
This decision of the Transport Department, if implemented, will be a huge blow to the private players in the transport business.
However, on the other hand, transport corporations’ revenue may surge as online booking for state-run buses will continue.Besides “banning” online bookings, the government will clamp down on stage-wise pickups by private buses which is being done illegally, he said.“If private buses provide stops at every stage, what is the difference between normal buses and special buses,” he asked.
The minister also said a number of buses of the North East Karnataka Road Transport Corporation will be increased. “There is a demand to provide 800 buses to this corporation. We will soon release 200 buses. More buses will ferry passengers in the future,” he said.
Government to request HC to relax rule on 100cc bikes
Revanna said the transport department has been receiving pleas to ensure relaxation of rule on 100cc capacity motorbikes. Pillion riding on bikes less than 100cc capacity has been banned and the government asked manufacturers to modify the vehicles accordingly.But there is a demand from sellers as well as buyers to lift the ban on pillion riding on such motorbikes.The state government, considering this, would file an affidavit requesting the High Court of Karnataka to relax rules.