Kudos to RTO in Maharashtra for the initiative and willingness to make transportation a safe and efficient experience for the people. For a very long time if not for the first time we are seeing a very proactive efforts from the government body. Also they have picked up the right issues which are of utmost impact to the people in general. Having said that as expected there has been a tremendous resistance to these efforts from some quarters. But as we all know there is always a resistance for any kind of change.
Let me put across some main points which have been or will be useful and better going forward if the authorities in addition to RTO pursue with their drives and initiatives just like RTO.
1) Electronic meters in Auto rickshaw: This is certainly welcome by the vast majority of the people. We have seen meters which have been tampered with or faulty resulting in added fare for the commuters. Expectedly this has been resisted by the unions(Less said about the Rao's the better). Post the RTO crackdown, I have been seeing my commute charges going down my 35-40 rupees one way. The auto union argument of able to tamper these meters doesnt have any merit. The electronic meters will certainly be a deterrent in tampering.
2) Pranks of Auto/Cab drivers: We all know and have experienced the various pranks played by these drivers. Gone are the days when Mumbai auto and cab system was the example to follow for other cities with drivers as your buddy for the travel duration. Unofrtunately such drivers are a rarity but we do at times come across them. There are some who wish good bye and ensure during the journey that travel is comfortable by talking to the passengers. There are some genuine reasons on refusal to ply certain destinations and these reasons can be congested roads, traffic snarls, auto being from a different suburb etc. Infrastruture problem can be solved primarily by the concerned authorities and to a great extent by the the people by observing traffic discipline. Auto union argument of having a separate colour code for long distance travelling ones does make sense.
3) Fare : We all know how comuters are held to ransom by means of strikes over fare hikes. As per the honourable Sharad Rao, he wnats to ensure that every driver is able to take home 25000Rs per month. It is no rocket science that we need to work hard to make more money and not by fleecing people. Here the government should step in too. My thought is why not allow advertisements on these autos and black/yellow cabs? This can really offset any losses if any is being incurred. Its kind of win-win situation for all.
4) Regulating school buses : All the new rules put forth by RTO are well justified and meaningful. Here too the school bus owner association is trying to arm twist by frequent strikes. My sincere appeal to RTO is not to give in to any of their demands. Its after all the kids lives who are at stake. And we have read about instances which have resulted in accidents and unfortunate death of the kids due to non implementation of guidelines. Most of the buses are not even road worthy to say the least.
5) Tinted glasses, and fancy number plates: RTO should strictly put an end to this nonsense. Post terror attack in Pune, the police commissioner there had commented and advised two wheeler drivers against covering the faces with scarfs which actually is used to shield from pollution and heat. In light of this argument how can tinted glass or fancy number plates be not a terror threat? Many number plates are hard to even decipher. How can the authorities ensure that this will not be misused by criminals? RTO should really come done heavily on such offenders.
6) Noisy engines and horns: There is one particular manufacturer of three wheeler whose vehicles defy all logic when it comes to engine noise. Even a multi axle volvo or a mercedes bus makes less noise than this three wheeler. Isnt it strange that these vehicle pass RTO tests and comply with pollution norms? Many two wheeler owners like to install loud and noisy horns and enjoy in scaring people. RTO should come down heavily on manufacturer of such horns and garages who help install them.
7) Lane markings and good road conditions: This needs to be aggressively followed up by RTO so as make travel and transport more disciplined and safe. We often find traffic junctions in poor condition and a bump or a deep cut all of a sudden on a smooth road catching motorists totally unawares.
8) Traffic police commissioner: We really need a separate commissionerate to take care of ever increasing traffic and vehicles. This reminds us the good old days of Mr Pasricha during which we used to be proud of our traffic and the traffic police too. There is a need for more pro-activeness from traffic police. They should be equipped to reach quickly the trouble spots and communicate with others.
9) Electronic boards across major roads and highways: These will be so helpful during traffic jams, accidents and other conditions during which motorists can be guided to use less congested roads, divert/merge traffic etc. apart from flashing traffic rules and tips for smooth drive.
10) Roadworthiness of vehicles: We come across so many vehicles who have lived beyond their ages. Many a times they break down causing inconvenience to others. These include even government vehicles which pollute noise and air a lot. We often see ST buses without a door for the drivers. What if there is a sudden bump and driver falls off his seat? Authorities should be stric in implementing norms and other rules.
