Sleeper buses set to get cabinet nod
UP state transport department has prepared proposals seeking provisions of sleeper coaches and installation of meters in taxis to be incorporated in the MV Rules to remove legal hurdles.
The state cabinet is on Tuesday expected to approve various proposals that are likely to pave the way for plying of sleeper buses, introduction of metered taxis and fixation of fare of the proposed radio taxis.
The transport department has prepared proposals seeking provisions of sleeper coaches and installation of meters in taxis to be incorporated in the MV Rules to remove legal hurdles.
S ources said both t he government-owned UP State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and the private operators had been for long pressing for making rules for plying of buses wherein a passenger could get a sleeping berth like in a train.
“There is a lot of demand both from passengers and operators for introduction of sleeper coaches in long-distance buses in the state,” a senior official claimed.
He said that though some attempts were made to introduce such buses a few years ago, the same did not succeed as the operators faced legal hurdled in getting the same registered at RTO offices.
“Once we put the provision of sleeper coaches in the MV Rules, clearly defining the length, the breadth, the height of the berth and other related measures, the registration and introduction of sleeper buses will become a reality,” the official pointed out.
He said the high-end Volvo buses plying on various routes in the state could also be modified in sleeper coaches.
Another proposal that also seeks amendments to the MV Rules aims at making legal provisions for installation of meters (defining their make, type etc) in taxis in various cities.
“The government does want metered taxies in some cities like Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra but at present there is no legal provision for installation of meters in taxis though some taxis do have meters,” sources said.
The third important proposal to be put before the Cabinet is about fixation of the fare of hi-tech radio taxies that are proposed be operated by private companies after taking licence from the transport department in big cities.
“We are proposing the maximum permissible fare (ceiling) that a radio taxi will be allowed to charge from commuters while the operators would be free to decide on the minimum fare,” disclosed the official.
There is also a proposal to amend the transport department officers Service Rules, 1990, the clearance of which by the Cabinet will pave the way for the promotions many senior ARTOs to the rank of RTOs.