Finally the Government of Kerala ( GoK) has put forward the condition for operating interstate bus services including Bangalore night services.This move was initiated as a result of repeated complaints from passengers for criminal misbehavior of crews and even by passengers etc.Lot of complaints regarding exploitation of passengers by collecting exorbitant fares were also reported.Also complaints were raised by female passengers regarding lack of rest rooms and toilet facilities while on travelling.Last year MVD has conducted special drive to book the illicit services.
LAPT License
In order to function as a booking office for interstate tourist buses or to act as a canvasser a license obtained from concerned Regional transport Authority is mandatory.This license is known as Agents License or LAPT. At present majority of the travel offices are working without obtaining the LAPT license.the GoK move is to bring the booking offices and canvassers under the control of MVD and Police to ensure more accountability.
New Conditions
Now the Transport Department issued certain guidelines to all RTA to be observed while granting LAPT licenses.
- Office Space : Minimum Area 150 Sq Ft
- Customer Lounge : Minimum 10 Comfortable Seats
- Toilet Facility
- Clock Room with Locker facility
- CCTV with back up for 6 months
- Drinking Water
- Fire Extinguisher
- RTO /Police complaint redress numbers to be exhibited in the office,
- Sufficient stopping place for boarding and alighting passengers
- The tickets issued should have details of vehicle/crews and number of MVD/Police etc
- The booking agent shall intimate the passengers about the availability of toilet facility within 50 km range.
- Details of passengers shall be recorded in a register and kept at least for 6 months.
Present Condition
At present the booking offices are working in single door offices in the road side or in combination with other offices. Availability of Toilet as well as waiting room or seats are very less.More severe situation is to make complaints to respected authorities.The situation will change once these provisions are implemented by the MVD. At present only few establishments have obtained the LAPT licenses.
MVD enforcement
Once MVD started enforcement of LAPT provisions large number of these offices will be closed.They can further operate after obtaining the LAPT license only.
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