A large number of private bus operators at a meeting held at Kadamba Plateau, Chimbel, on Wednesday.
Photo Credits: Manuel Vaz
OLD GOA
The All Goa Private Bus Operators Association (AGPBOA) has stated that the government should not force its decision on private bus operators to buy EV buses and should allow them to operate the existing buses.
The bus operators discussed this issue during a meeting at the Kadamba Plateau in Chimbel to decide on the government’s move to introduce EV buses on four Smart City routes, along with other issues faced by the private bus operators in the State.
“The Supreme Court has passed an order stating that BS VI buses are non-polluting, and we are willing to change our buses to BS VI certified ones. But for that, the government should reintroduce the bus replacement scheme with an increase in the subsidy amount,” AGPBOA general secretary Sudip Tamankar stated.
Further, Tamankar said a meeting of the CM along with the Smart City officials, Transport Department and a delegation of the private bus operators is slated for May 9, in which the issue will be decided.
“We are hoping that the government grants relief vis-à-vis the EV buses as a total of 70 bus operators on four Smart City routes are going to be affected,” Tamankar stated while informing that they have plan B in place if the government does not listen to their plea.
Tamankar then added that other issues like charging Rs 50 per day after the expiry of the fitness certificate were also discussed.
