Mhaji Bus Scheme revamped, but sops aggrieve pvt operators

Panaji: Goa govt has relaunched the Mhaji Bus Scheme with some changes. To be implemented by the directorate of transport and Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC), the scheme offers several forms of support to bus operators.

But on Friday, private bus operators voiced their displeasure at being excluded from the decision-making process. The approximately 1,120 bus operators in the state are planning to meet on Sunday to discuss their grievances and prepare a list of demands they want included in the Mhaji Bus Scheme.

As of now, the revised incentives include a subsidy per kilometre, wherein bus operators will receive a subsidy of Rs 3 per kilometre for every kilometre operated. There is also an insurance subsidy, wherein operators can avail themselves of a 50% reimbursement on the annual insurance premium, up to Rs 30,000.

However, the president of the All Goa Stage Carriage Bus Owners’ Association, Sudesh Kalangutkar, questioned the adequacy of the subsidy. “Govt wants to frame policies for the transport sector without taking bus operators into confidence,” he said. “Diesel rates are extreme today, how can Rs 3 per kilometre be enough for us?”

The relaunched scheme offers a bus replacement option, wherein operators who need to replace buses older than 15 years will receive assistance of Rs 10 lakh to purchase a new bus with a minimum seating capacity of 27.

But Kalangutkar said that several private buses remain off the roads, unable to resume operations after the Covid pandemic. “Govt should first consider helping operators by bringing these buses back on the roads, rather than introducing new schemes that create more problems,” he said.

He added, “There are pending fuel subsidies worth Rs 18 crore, which govt is yet to release.”

As for the spruced up scheme, operators will retain full fare revenue, with no obligation to remit any amount to KTC. The scheme outlines several operational norms, such as continuous operation, where operators must ensure their buses are in service for the entire year.

In cases of maintenance or breakdown, operators are required to provide alternative buses. Operators must employ qualified conductors in uniform, who will be responsible for managing automatic ticketing machines on board.

All buses must be equipped with a vehicle location tracking device to ensure real-time tracking and security. Additionally, the buses will be required to repaint their vehicles in KTC’s branding scheme for better visibility.

To benefit from the scheme, operators must submit an application to the managing director of KTC. Approved operators will be issued a letter of empanelment and will be required to sign an agreement with KTC.

All buses will undergo regular inspections by the directorate of transport to ensure compliance.

Private bus operators wishing to participate in the scheme must hold a valid stage carriage permit issued by an RTO in Goa. They must operate buses that are not older than 15 years at the time of registration and must maintain valid fitness certificates, comprehensive insurance, and proof of up-to-date road tax payments.

Operators can earn 50% of the revenue generated from advertisements displayed on their buses. KTC’s smart transit passes and cards will be accepted on all buses under the scheme.

The amount collected through these passes will be reimbursed to operators.