Panaji, May 18: The All Goa Private Bus Owners’ Association has submitted a representation to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, urging the government to resolve several long-pending issues faced by private stage carriage bus operators in the State.

In the memorandum, Association General Secretary Sudip Narayan Tamankar stated that private bus operators have been providing stage carriage services in Goa since before Liberation and continue to serve the general public and tourists. The Association said it supports the Prime Minister’s “Make in India” and “Be Vocal for Local” initiatives, while also pointing out that building buses in India can create employment and support allied industries.

The Association has sought clarity and necessary orders regarding stage carriage permits, especially for battery-operated buses, methanol fuel buses and ethanol fuel buses. It pointed out that although “Stage Carriage Permit” was not mentioned in a Gazette notification dated April 18, 2023, private stage carriage buses in Goa operate under permits issued by Regional Transport Authorities.

The memorandum also raised concerns over the operation of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited buses and EV buses on several routes. The Association alleged that local villagers’ signatures are being collected to start new Kadamba buses from villages, irrespective of the regular operation of private stage carriage buses on those routes. It claimed that this has caused hardship to private bus operators.

The Association further alleged that EV buses brought to Panaji for charging are illegally collecting passengers on the way, affecting private bus operators. It also claimed that drivers who earlier worked with private stage carriage buses have been engaged by EV bus operator Evy Transline/Olectra, and after joining, some of them are allegedly harassing private bus operators on routes in North and South Goa.

Another issue raised in the representation concerns land at Patto, Panaji, near the existing Kadamba bus stand. According to the Association, land measuring 17,490 sq. metres was acquired and handed over to the Transport Department for constructing Transport Bhavan. Out of this, around 7,000 sq. metres has reportedly been handed over to EV Transline for a charging station, while private bus operators are not being provided proper rest room facilities at bus stands.

The Association also highlighted the decline in private stage carriage buses after Covid-19. It stated that 1,460 private stage carriage buses were operating in Goa before the pandemic, but after Covid-19, around 387 operators surrendered their permits, leaving about 1,073 buses currently operating on various routes.

It further claimed that the increasing number of AC buses operated by Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited has affected passenger flow towards private buses, making it difficult for private operators to earn their livelihood and pay bank instalments.

The Association also described the condition of bus stands across Goa as “pathetic and dilapidated” and urged the government to provide proper facilities and common amenities to attract passengers towards public transport.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent appeal to reduce the purchase of diesel and petrol and promote public transport, the Association requested the Chief Minister to improve bus stand infrastructure and resolve the issues raised in the memorandum in the larger public interest.