Bus owners demand online permit system

MUMBAI: city bus operators have demanded that the regional transport offices (RTOs) roll out an online system for permits, taxation and auctions.

MUMBAI:  city bus operators have demanded that the regional transport offices (RTOs) roll out an online system for permits, taxation and auctions.

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They said that the digital move will bring transparency, minimise the role of middlemen and curb corruption at the RTOs.

Mumbai Bus Malak Sanghatana (MBMS), one of the major bodies of bus operators, submitted theses demands to the transport department during a meeting last week.

MBMS members said that the online system— for seeking permits, paying exact taxes and participating in auctions to cannibalise worn-out vehicles — will make their life easier.

Malik Patel, a leader of MBMS, said that the revenue in government coffers will go up by at least 50%, if it adopts online permits and taxation demand. “The Union government is propagating digital India but has not taken any steps to provide online services to transporters, despite huge benefits,” said Patil.

“It is really surprising that the state is lagging behind when other smaller states have provided online services, despite benefits

“In our last meeting, the transport department has responded positively and assured to start online services for at least permits and taxation system at the earliest,” he added.