Representational Image | Photo: G Sivaprasad|Mathrubhumi Archives
Thiruvananthapuram: The state Motor Vehicle Department has recommended constituting a new transport body in the cooperative sector by partnering with private bus owners to bolster the public transport system in the state. The aim is to form a company board like KSRTC in and ensure job security for the employees.
Kerala Motor Transport Welfare Board will be the nodal agency. The need to connect roads, railways, and waterways was highlighted in the report. The draft also calls for a comprehensive transport policy and recommends the issuance of route permits to small vehicles to alleviate traffic congestion in rural areas. The report studies the long-term consequences of not forming a motor transport policy.
Based on amendments made to the Central Motor Vehicle Act in 2019, the states were mandated to formulate a comprehensive transport policy. Following this, the MVD decided to prepare a policy report and tabled it before the government.
The report also recommends forming a 'land transport authority' for easier management of public-private sectors. The need for a proper transport system for effective management of bus services is mentioned in the report.
Report points out the need for a GPS-based system for the effective functioning of public transport systems. In addition to online ticket booking, season tickets and smart cards, discounts must be offered to regular travellers, it says.
The report also pointed out the increasing trend of traffic congestion in the state by an annual rate of 11 per cent. It was noted that the state once had 38,000 private buses and 5,500 KSRTC buses and it is now reduced to 7,000 and 4,000 respectively.
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