Speaking at a meeting of Transport Department officials, State Road Transport Corporation officials and representatives of various organisations at Kote old Vidhana auditorium on Monday, he said a solution will be arrived at within legal boundaries along with keeping the interest of the public in mind.

The private bus service being provided is commendable. Similarly, KSRTC has been plying buses with the aim of providing satisfactory service for the public. Hence, there should be an amicable understanding between the two and the public must benefit from the same, the DC opined.

He directed the officials of State Road Transport Corporation to invite applications through the district Regional Transport Authority within 15 days to provide permanent license in case any KSRTC bus is plying with temporary license or without any license. The permanent license will be distributed after sorting out the problem of bus routes and timings.

After the issue is sorted out, both private and KSRTC buses must maintain the routes, timings and rules, the DC said. 

In the present competitive world, existence of competition between private and public sector buses is natural. However, the competition must be healthy. He told the concerned officials of the Corporation to see to it that the complaint regarding private buses suffering losses due to violation of timings by KSRTC buses do not occur.
In certain cases, buses change routes and ply without obtaining license. Moreover, cases of drivers not wearing uniforms have also come to light. These problems must be checked and both private and KSRTC buses must ply according to rules, he said.

Regional Transport Officer Gayatridevi said before starting any KSRTC or private bus service, obtaining permission from the RTA is necessary. Directions have been given to submit a report within 15 days with regard to private and KSRTC buses plying with temporary license.

Private Bus Owners’ Association President Ramesh Joyappa alleged that many KSRTC buses are plying without license. An unhealthy competition has developed due to violation of timings by the KSRTC buses and private bus owners are suffering losses due to this. If the situation continues, private buses will be forced to stop plying permanently, he warned.

Bus owners placed their problems before the meeting. Private bus owner and district Sarvajanika Hitharakshana Samiti President Kattimandaiah, retired police officer Appaiah, Kaveri Sene Convener Ravichangappa and Virajpet Taluk Panchayat member Raju spoke during the meeting. Officials from KSRTC regional-level offices from Mangalore, Tumkur and Bangalore were present.