Public transport users are facing problems as those running such transports tend to violate the rules with impunity.
On one hand, the public transport operators have been refusing to abide by rules and regulations for years now, the authorities have, on the other, have chosen to refrain from taking necessary action to put things into right places.
Public transport vehicles, including city buses and Vikrams, rarely run on schedule in Dehradun but they are overloaded most of the time.
“We can depend on Vikrams because they are more in numbers as compared to the buses. Besides, they are more frequent also. But they are usually overloaded. Whereas the seating capacity of such vehicles is three they take four passengers, making things uncomfortable for all,” said Meenakshi Malhotra, a daily commuter.
Many say this overloading is making things particularly difficult for the senior citizens, women and the handicapped.
A college student Monika Deshwal who uses public transport daily said she often faces eve- teasing while on board the buses and the Vikrams. “Condition of the city buses is the most disgusting among the local public transport vehicles. They are overloaded. The fellow passengers abuse, eve- tease and smoke. We are scared,” she said.
“No seats are available in the buses. Also they are rude when we don’t have change. A bus conductor was once found drunk. I complained to the driver who did not bother,” said Meenakshi, resident of Paltan Bazaar. Special arrangements should be made for the females while low floor buses should be brought into service for the handicapped, she said.
In the morning and afternoon when the schools open and close, it is common for the students to board the running buses, something that can prove dangerous. The other violations include the conductor and the driver not caring to don uniforms. Besides, the passengers are never given tickets and other facilities they are entitled to.