Private bus operators in Maharashtra can operate services with 100 per cent passenger capacity

Considering the Diwali festivities are nearing, private bus operators in Maharashtra have been allowed to run the services at a 100 per cent passenger capacity. Earlier, the permission was given only to the State Transport (ST) Corporation, however, the same was approved for private buses as the demand has been increasing from the public. But the private bus operators will have to abide by the rules imposed by the Central and State Governments, as well as the Department of Transport.

A few weeks back, ST was allowed to run at 100 per cent capacity, post which auto rickshaws also started running at full passenger capacity. Norms are being followed strictly, and with people stepping out of homes under the unlock protocol, officials have noted an increase in demand. Similar requests have been made from the transporters to run the private passenger bus service, which would prove to be beneficial if allowed at full passenger capacity. 

Under these circumstances, as per the provisions of Rule 20 (1) of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Act, 1989, every bus driver is required to keep his bus in a clean and sterile condition. Further, the driver of the bus will have to disinfect the passenger vehicle at the end of every service, as this would ensure safety.

In order to allow the same, the state government has imposed following rules for the private bus operators, which will have to be followed mandatorily. 

• Bus stations and stands to be kept clean
• Officials to ensure services used by the public such as food stalls, toilets etc. are cleaned and safe.
• Physical distance is maintained by the passengers while boarding, alighting and during the journey. Similar protocol to be followed while the bus is stopped for breaks
• Licensee to take the responsibility of disinfecting the passenger bus and should also maintain records of it
• Passengers without masks will not be allowed
• Ticket and enquiry window should be cleaned
• The body temperature of the passengers should be checked before the journey.
• Passengers with fever, cough, cold and other symptoms should not be allowed.

The government has strictly warned that in case of non-compliance, appropriate legal action will be taken against the permit holder as per the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and Disaster Management Act, 2005.