Noida: The transport department will launch a three-day enforcement drive across Noida from June 9 to 11 against buses operating under the All India Tourist Permit (AITP) that are accepting seat-wise bookings through online platforms, an official said on Saturday.Buses operating under the AITP are permitted to run as contract carriages and are only allowed to pick up and drop passengers at their origin and destination only. The statewide campaign was ordered by Uttar Pradesh transport commissioner Ashutosh Niranjan, who has directed enforcement officers across the state to conduct intensive inspections on key highways and transport corridors where operators are stopping mid-route to allow more passengers to board the buses.TOI had earlier reported that several sleeper buses with AITP are listing Sector 148 on Noida Expressway and Zero Point on Yamuna Expressway as pick-up or drop locations on private booking websites.Noida assistant regional transport officer (enforcement) Dr Udit Narayan said as part of the enforcement drive, RTO officials will be deployed round-the-clock at all major routes and toll plazas, including the Jewar toll plaza and the Yamuna Expressway.“Strict action will be taken against buses found violating permit conditions by operating like stage carriages through online seat-wise bookings,” he told TOI.Enforcement officials have been asked to ensure alternative arrangements for stranded passengers if vehicles are impounded.Impounded vehicles will be parked at Roadways depots or workshops and RTO officials, who will inspect the buses physically, may initiate action against the seized buses if they fail to meet the prescribed standards.Narayan said enforcement action against such buses has already begun. “In May, 242 buses were checked and penalised. Around Rs. 1 lakh was collected as penalties, while outstanding vehicle taxes worth nearly Rs. 67 lakh were recovered,” he said.
