Govt rolls out SOPs for public buses to ensure passenger safety

The stage-wise fare charge must be explained if any passenger requests it from the conductor, the guidelines state

- SUBHENDU MAITI

Every public bus must have to display route, time-table and fare chart in a prominent portion inside the fleet. Laminated photos of licenses of both driver and conductor also must be displayed prominently inside it.

Unnecessarily waiting for passengers at any particular stoppage for more than 60 seconds shall be viewed seriously inviting penal action against the operators.

These are some of the guidelines outlined by the transport department.

To enhance safety and security in public transport operation system in the state, a draft standard operating procedure (SOP) guidelines prepared by the state transport department made these recommendations and many others at a time when displaying of fare charts, time table and long waiting for minutes for passengers at stoppages are rigorously violated by drivers and conductors of public buses.