Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar on Thursday issued a stern warning to both government and private bus drivers and conductors, demanding an immediate end to the harassment of passengers. The Minister's directive comes in response to a slew of complaints received during his visits across the State and through official channels, detailing mistreatment and misconduct by bus staff.
“Complaints have been pouring in about the inappropriate behaviour of drivers and conductors of Punjab Roadways, PRTC, and private bus operators. Reports of quarrels with passengers and videos of such incidents going viral on social media have highlighted the severity of the issue,” said the Minister.
Adding to the grievances, Bhullar noted that many drivers and conductors fail to stop at designated bus stops, causing significant inconvenience to passengers by dropping them off at unintended locations. This negligent behaviour not only disrupts passengers’ journeys but also tarnishes the reputation of the Transport Department, he noted.
In a decisive move to address these issues, Bhullar has instructed the Department officials to intensify inspections and ensure that drivers and conductors of government buses adhere to proper conduct through regional offices. “Drivers and conductors must be instructed to properly board and de-board passengers at designated bus stops and follow this practice diligently,” he emphasized.
The Minister also directed that private bus operators and their management teams be mandated to enforce proper treatment of passengers and maintain discipline among their staff. “It is crucial that both government and private sector bus staff undergo mandatory training on good behaviour with the general public and road safety rules before commencing their duties,” Bhullar added.
