Panaji: State govt notified the Mhaji Bus Scheme for the state’s private stage-carriage bus network, offering Rs 5/km subsidy for beneficiaries. Eligible operators will receive 50% reimbursement of the annual insurance premium, subject to a maximum reimbursement of Rs 40,000.Operators replacing buses that are more than 15 years old will be eligible for Rs 10 lakh in assistance towards a new bus, provided the replacement vehicle has a minimum seating capacity of 27 passengers.For the initial three years of the scheme, buses of up to 20 years of age will be allowed to participate.Govt said all buses must be fitted with a vehicle location tracking device (VLTD) and use automatic ticketing machines (ATMs). Conductors must be trained and wear proper uniforms and name badges.In addition, participating buses will have to be repainted according to the Mhaji Bus Scheme branding, creating a uniform appearance.The registered owner, driver or conductor will also be responsible for maintaining a vehicle log book. Trip details, including departure and arrival times, distance travelled, incidents and maintenance requirements, will have to be recorded.Operators will further be required to report to the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) control point at each bus stand and enter trip details in the prescribed format.Govt has stipulated that buses covered by the scheme should operate for the full month. A bus may be kept off the road for repairs or maintenance for only two days, which must be Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. Prior information will have to be provided to the authority if the bus is taken off the road.Govt will establish a separate Mhaji Bus Scheme section within the transport department to oversee implementation. A separate grievance redressal committee will also be constituted to deal with complaints and disputes arising under the scheme.All Goa Private Bus Owners’ Association expressed disappointment over the notification since they had already filed an objection to the draft of the scheme. “There are nearly 600 vehicles that have been operating for the last 15 years, and their status and existing arrangements cannot simply be changed through such a notification. We will continue to object to the notification,” said general secretary Sudeep Tahmankar.
