KARUR: The State is set to witness an increase in the number of mini buses plying in the districts. Under a new scheme, permits will be granted for 2,000 mini-buses, in addition the existing 3,000.

The new package, worked out following representations from the operators, will factor in the difficulties experienced in the present regulations. It is likely to be in place well before the Assembly elections, according to Transport Secretary and Commissioner P. Shanmugam.

The norms governing the coverage of `served' and `unserved' areas may be modified significantly to help the operators earn more revenue. Many operators have been complaining that the rules deter them from breaking even. Bad roads in the `unserved' areas entail higher maintenance cost.

Lessened burden

The mini bus scheme, introduced in 1998, while reaching out to many areas not covered earlier, brought in its share of lawlessness and frictions. In many areas, the drivers are a law unto themselves, parking or halting haphazardly and blocking traffic.

Nevertheless they have lessened the burden of the transport corporations to a great extent, officials concede. Roughly, each district would be granted 70 per cent more mini bus permits.

According to Mr. Shanmugam, the Supreme Court has refused to stay the scheme. It has given the nod for increasing the strength, while allowing a case in the Madras High Court to proceed.

The Government Order increasing the number of mini buses will be issued in a few days.

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