Anti-social behaviour in public transport

The government is investing heavily in public transportation. Recently, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport and Shipping, Nando Bodha, announced that the National Transport Corporation is investing around Rs 300 million for the purchase of semi low-floor buses. Last week, 100 of such buses were rolled out. Added to that, upgrading of road infrastructures is being undertaken to the tune of billions of rupees. Apart from the quality of buses, security of commuters in public transportation remains one of its main weaknesses hindering wider adoption by the masses. From 2011 to date, 134 cases of “anti-social behaviour” have been reported to the police by women, students and elderly persons. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has taken disciplinary action against bus drivers, bus conductors and operators in 33 cases of uncivil behaviour towards passengers during the past five years as follows:

• In 25 cases, there has been suspension of licences;
• 3 cases have been struck out; and
• 5 cases have been dismissed.

During the said period, 211 cases of offences other than misbehaviours have also been heard and the licences of bus operators and bus crews have been suspended. In each case where there has been a failure to pick up students and old-aged pensioners, the free travel compensation for five days amounting to Rs 15,000 paid to the operator has been retained.