Bus service operators violate official timing

KOCHI: The lackadaisical attitude of the Motor Vehicle Department has once again came out in the open. Though, the Vyttila-Vyttila circular bus service operators have been frequently violating the prescribed timing by the Motor Vehicle Department, it has taken any step to mitigate the woes of the regular commuters of the Thammanam- Ponnurunni route.These circular services are the only options for the residents of Shantipuram Colony, Labour Colony, Vettuva Colony and AKG colony. Since, the circular bus service operators are not adhering to the time-table, the commuters in this area are compelled to resort to unaffordable auto rickshaw rides. “Most of the people dwelling in these areas are the ones who struggle to make their ends meet. Resorting to other vehicles is always a burden for them,” said T N Pratapan, secretary, Thammanam Bus Passengers Action Council.There are about 20 circular buses plying along the Thammanam-Ponnurunni route. As per the schedule prescribed by the Motor Vehicle Department, these buses are to ply from 5.40 am till 10.59 pm, with a time gap of six minutes. However, most of these buses violate the prescribed norm. Pratapan said, “Almost all the buses violate the schedule set by the Motor Vehicle Department. They ply from 7 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm till 8 pm, which makes the journey of the bus commuters hazardous.” Besides, after 8 pm, the commuters find it difficult to board the Thammanam buses from Vyttila to Palarivattom and vice versa. Also, with the closure of Ponnurunni railway gate, the commuters who have to travel to  St Reetha’s gate and Ponnurunni temple are left in turmoil as they would not get any bus after 7.30 pm. Pratapan said that they have taken up this issue with the RTO and District Transport Commissioner but have got little response. In addition, on Sundays and other holidays, only 10 out of 20 buses would offer services.RTO, T J Thomas confirmed receiving frequent complaints regarding this issue. “The department has been receiving complaints on this matter and we have been trying our level best to resolve the matter,” Thomas said. When asked, District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth said that he has not received any petition on this issue from the officials concerned. “The District Administration will soon look into the issue as soon as it receives the petition,” Pareeth said.