The much awaited new transport policy was given away a green signal by the Punjab Cabinet this week. Approved in the Cabinet meeting, Chaired by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, the Draft Transport Scheme-2017 is expected to streamline the work in the transport business. The Draft Transport Scheme-2017 would organise the issuance of licences and permits across private and commercial transport vehicles. The Cabinet has also abolished the post of District Transport Officers besides restructuring the transport department.
What would be the changes as per the New Transport Policy?
Abolishing the post of District Transport Officers (DTOs)
Restructuring the State Transport Department.
Streamlining the issuance of permits and licences for all the commercial and private transport vehicles.
The Punjab State Government will gradually increase the share of State transport undertaking in the luxury bus service.
The luxury bus service would eventually be made State-controlled.
The share of Punjab Roadways, State Transport Authority and PRTC in the inter-State, point-to-point super integral coach service will be increased, this will be on contract carriage basis.
Increase in the share of STA, Punjab Roadways and PRTC will eventually put an end to the private mafia control over high-revenue bus routes.
All the illegally plying buses would be cracked down over a period of two months.
A Special Task Force of Vigilance Department and the police would be set up to weed out the illegally plying buses in a phased manner.
Favouritism in allotment of permits will be checked.
All the extensions (on pick and choose basis) given beyond the legal provisions will be cancelled.
Use of technology will be promoted to check unauthorized plying of buses.
The digital move would curb the huge evasion of Motor Vehicle Tax.
Time slabs for buses will be fixed.
As per the new scheme, the distribution of halt time at bus stands will be equally provided to support both the State Transport Undertaking (STU) as well as the privately operated buses
Monthly roster will be prepared for private operators on a single route.
Not more than 25 per cent of total permits (on a particular route) shall be issued to Private operators (one firm, party or person).
Under the Scheme, the validity of the permits issued and renewed (later) shall be five years from the renewal or issue date.
No transfer of permits shall be allowed.
Transfer of permit will only be accepted in the case of replacement of a bus, or, in case of inheritance due to death of the permit holder.
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