The Transport Department will take steps to control fares in the APSRTC and private buses during Sankranti festival. Officials will hold discussions with the private bus operators in this regard in the first week of January, said Transport Minister Sidda Raghava Rao.
Participating in the annual review meeting with the Transport Department authorities here on Friday, the Minister said he would also speak to APSRTC Managing Director M. Malakondaiah and do justice to the commuters.
Speaking on illegal operations in the State, the Minister directed the Deputy Transport Commissioners (DTCs) and other officers to conduct surprise checks and book those who are operating buses illegally. He asked the officers to cooperate in generating revenue.
‘Conduct raids’
“Private buses should not act as cargo services. But, many buses are violating the rules and causing accidents by transporting inflammable material. DTCs should check the vehicles and book the violators,” the Minister said.
Reacting to corruption in the department, the Minister expressed concern over ACB traps and raids on some Transport Department officers and employees. Due to some tainted staff, the reputation of the department is getting damaged, the Minister said and asked the staff to be honest.
Unauthorised operations
As regards performance, the Minister said the department achieved 20 per cent growth and West Godavari, Anantapur and Kadapa districts stood top while Krishna, Kurnool and Vizianagaram were poor in the performance. Mr. Raghava Rao stressed the need on road safety to minimise accidents.
Asked about unauthorised operations of some stage carriers and the allegations of Telangana public representatives on private buses, Transport Commissioner N. Balasubramanyam clarified that all the private travel buses being operated from A.P. have permits. Two Orange buses which came from Telangana State were booked and prosecuted.
“Some private buses operating from other States are not visiting the States where they get registered during the origin and destination points and violating the rules. We will conduct raids on such operators,” said Mr. Balasubramanyam. Officers from all over the State participated in the review meeting.
