Issues and Challenges in Nationalisation of Bus Routes

KOCHI:
Nationalization of bus routes by the state government for the benefit of KSRTC has resulted in the monopoly of routes by public buses, while excluding private players, said Antony B. J, former Ernakulam RTO and presently an advisor to KMRL, here in Kochi.
Delivering his session on Nationalisation of bus routes, organized by city-based think tank Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), as a part of its Kochi Public Transport Day campaign, Antony discussed various legal aspects and challenges with respect to nationalisation in Kochi. In the interactive discussion, attendees shared the concerns regarding lack or inadequacy of public transport bus services in the nationalized routes resulting in transit and mobility issues for the commuters. The need to ensure local level participation and involvement before sanctioning route permits was also discussed in the session.
CPPR Chairman Dr. D Dhanuraj commented that the state government while retaining ownership, should be open to welcoming private players into the public transport domain to ensure efficiency in services, where public transport falls short.
Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer Jojy P. Jose, Ernakulam Deputy Transport Commissioner Shaji Joseph, RACO District General Secretary Eloor Gopinath, officials from Motor Vehicles Department, KMRL representatives, advocates, authorities from KSRTC, representatives from bus operators association and various other policy scholars took part in the discussion.