It is learnt that two taxi drivers were fined for operating without a badge after the Traffic Police cells from Porvorim and Calangute launched a campaign against motorists operating tourist taxis without the badge issued by the transport department. This is a step in the right direction. However a check should also be kept on drivers operating private buses, including city buses, without the requisite badge. There could be instances when the bus conductor could be driving the bus during the lunch break or when the bus driver is not available. The bus conductor may not be possessing a driving license thereby putting the lives of the passengers and the general public in peril. In Goa drivers of ‘Public Passenger Vehicles’ have to mandatorily sport their authorization badges or else face stringent penal action including imprisonment of three months. However it seems that no check is kept on drivers of private buses to see whether they possess the requisite badge. Incidentally such a badge serves as a mark of proficiency in ensuring passenger safety and comfort. There should be zero tolerance to bus drivers and conductors operating without a badge.
