Coimbatore: It’s time for the regional transport offices (RTOs) in Coimbatore to crack their whip against private buses that are yet to install doors at entry and exit points and prevent footboard travel.While most of the private buses are yet to install the doors, govt buses by and large have installed the doors, thereby reducing accidents due to footboard travelling.“When city police officers advised private bus operators to fix underrun protectors, they ignored our advice. They indirectly threatened to strike if forced to comply. We can only impose fines for footboard travel,” a senior police officer in Coimbatore city said.“Though I have to squeeze into the bus, I’m relieved from the dangers of footboard travel during peak hours in government buses, thanks to the newly installed doors,” said Sudha Chandran, a housekeeping staff member at a private school on Mettupalayam Road. People would dangerously hang onto the last step while buses were in motion, she said.TOI travelled on both TNSTC and private town buses in the city on Monday, speaking with passengers about their experiences.Jenifer, a Tatabad resident working at a pharmacy at Ukkadam, said she regularly commutes on route 73D.“While doors limit passenger numbers, people either voluntarily exit or choose private buses. The main issue is insufficient buses between 8am and 9am,” she explained.Government bus conductor Spensher Raj noted that despite fixed doors, some passengers still attempt to travel on the last step.“They risk injury when doors open or close. I experienced this myself when my fingernails were torn off, requiring two months of medical leave.”Bus driver C Vadivel confirmed that doors have eliminated footboard accidents. “This safety measure benefits everyone. Previously, we had to stop mid-route to remove footboard travellers. Private buses, focused on passenger count and daily trips, often ignore passenger limits,” he said.As of now, the TNSTC has fixed doors on 552 town buses to prevent footboard travel. It plans to fix doors for the remaining 50 buses soon.A senior transport department official stated that footboard travelling violates regulations, though there’s no mandatory requirement for installing doors. “We conduct regular inspections to prevent footboard travel and can increase vigilance. Regarding misconduct complaints, passengers should report incidents for immediate action.”The implementation of doors on government buses has significantly improved passenger safety, but challenges remain with private operators. Better enforcement of safety regulations and addressing passenger grievances could further enhance the public transport experience in Coimbatore.
