Despite reserved seats, senior citizens continue to suffer in buses

Youngsters inconsiderate, conductors helpless

 Ten years ago, when the government introduced seat reservation for senior citizens in government and private buses, the beneficiaries were happy that they would not have to beg for a seat any more.

By and large, however, the rule has remained only on paper in many cases and Mangaluru is not an exception.

Unlike many other cities in the state, a larger number of people travel by private buses when compared with government buses. According to an estimate, more than 500 buses ply in the district everyday and it is a nightmare for senior citizens to travel in these buses during peak hours.

Reservation problems

“Usually the seats reserved for senior citizens are occupied by youngsters, who hardly vacate the seats for senior citizens,” said Sumithra, aged about 65 years, who works as a maid in an apartment in Mangaluru and travels by bus from Talapady to Mangaluru twice a week. “Even if we request the youngsters or those who occupy the seats, they care a damn,” she adds.
This is, however, not a condition of just one bus.

When contacted, Ashok, a bus conductor, said that, as a conductor, he can only warn the violators once or twice. “Many a time, the occupants of reserve seat enter into an argument. There are instances where a passenger threatens to complain to the police that the conductor misbehaved with him or her,” he said and concurred that there is a need to create awareness among the public in this regard.

Speaking to DH, social activist I J S Shet rued that very few passengers leave the seats meant for senior citizens. “Loud music, rash driving and spitting in moving buses have become order of the day,” he said and regretted that nobody supports senior citizens even when the latter raise their voices against injustice. “Such problems are more in Mangaluru city when compared with other cities as private buses play a major role here,” he said and suggested that the mayor and corporators should form a committee to provide better facilities for seniors in society. There is a need to create awareness on Senior Citizens Helpline, he added.

RTO speaks

When contacted, RTO G S Hegde said that the RTA has already taken measures in this regard and the issues have been raised in bus owners’ meetings besides conducting training programmes for conductors.

“The police can’t keep an eye on each and every bus,” he said and added that it is also the responsibility of the people to inform the police so that action can be initiated against the person. “It is not difficult to file a case especially with the help of new technology / social media,” he opined.