HRTC staff protest against pvt bus operators

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 17

Certain private operators are enjoying a free run operating buses on the old bus stand - new ISBT Tutikandi route without permits right under the nose of the HRTC, alleged employees of the Himachal Roads Transport Corporation (HRTC), who staged a protest at the old bus stand today demanding action against such operators.

The protesting HRTC drivers raised slogans against the transport authority, police and district administration and HRTC managers.

“We have lodged written complaints with the RTO and the HRTC regional manager and MD against the bus operators operating the buses between the old bus stand and the ISBT, Tutikandi. But they are hand in glove”, they charged.

The protesting HRTC drivers and conductors said there were about three buses which were operating between the old bus stand and the new ISBT without permits. The drivers of these buses misbehaved with the HRTC employees when they objected, said the representatives of the HRTC employees union.

The private operators also resort to overloading and stop the buses at their whims and fancies at non-designated bus stops in their bid to make a fast buck. This results in traffic jams and poses hazard to schoolchildren and pedestrians.