JOIN USCCTV cameras in pvt buses
Though the transport system, especially private buses, offer the best services in the district, sometimes they too are not exception in some ways.
To make the system more people-friendly, the introduction of CCTV cameras in private buses has come as a welcome move in the backdrop of the increasing disturbances within the buses, especially against women passengers.
The first of its kind in the State, the attempt is also expected to be instrumental to detect the irregularities that take place inside the buses. Some bus drivers and conductors, who behave rudely at times, are now under constant vigilance and accountable for their behaviour and attitude.
The cameras have been installed in the buses owned by Bharathi Motors, which has route permits across the erstwhile Dakshina Kannada district and Bengaluru. On an experimental basis, two buses have been fitted with three CCTV cameras each - two inside the bus and another in the front. Each CCTV camera costs Rs 30,000.
The CCTV camera is directly linked to the online screen that is displayed in the office of the bus owner. The GPS-fitted camera reveals the timings maintained by the buses and also the other facts like the speed, negligent driving and the activities within the bus.
Bharathi Motors Proprietor Raghavendra Bhat told Deccan Herald that the plan benefits both bus owners and passengers. It will help bus owners to keep an eye on the drivers and conductors. The passengers can now heave a sigh of relief, as the drivers and conductors will be extra cautious over their behaviour, he stated.
Another advantage of the CCTV camera is that it exposes the causes of accidents, if any and the police would have the required information secured through the CCTV camera footage, he said.
He said most of the times, the drivers are targeted for accidents and the police point out at them for speed and reckless driving, though there may be other reasons. The other party involved in the accident may also be responsible. However, it is the drivers who are blamed, he added.
He stated that he plans to introduce CCTV cameras in all his 38 buses. The CCTV camera records 24x7 and the data collected will be safe for one month. Bhat added that he was fascinated with the idea, implemented abroad wherein the buses are compulsorily fitted with CCTV cameras.
“I thought why should we not implement this initiative here. I decided to experiment it in our own buses. The crimes taking place inside the buses, particularly against women, can be controlled in this way,” he added.