Responding to public sentiments and feeling, the Transport Department cracked the whip on errant mini bus operators in Karur, who are a law unto themselves by removing air horns, television units, and speakers inside the vehicles. The crew, mostly youth, were warned against misbehaving with the passengers, especially women. The swift and sudden operation by the Transport Department staff led by the Regional Transport Officer Kumaravel on Saturday was prompted hugely by complaints of deplorable attitude by the young crew manning the mini buses against the passengers over the years.
The crew operate the buses according to their whims and fancies showing scant regard for timings, halts, stages, or even driving speed.
Also, they blare the air horns and play the music system at high decibel putting passengers to inconvenience.
“More often, the staff operate the vehicles regardless of permitted route as well. There have been many complaints of excess fare collections and any murmur of protest was met with contemptuous stare, abuses, and dismissive gestures that make travel by those vehicles a nightmare,” says a regular traveller and textile unit worker S. Palanisamy of Puliyur recounting the “daily horror”.
“We are happy that the RTO and other officials intervened at our request and tried to restore order in the operation of mini buses,” he says.
Mr. Kumaravel and his team of officials intercepted and checked 29 mini-buses in Karur bus stand area.
