The consumer rights organisation, GOACAN, has filed four complaints against the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL). Apparently, there are certain systemic failures by KTCL in complying with mandatory provisions for passengers’ rights and convenience. Some of these include the lack of reserved seats for senior citizens, ladies, and persons with disabilities, as well as the non-display of KTCL’s WhatsApp number for complaints.
With due respect to GOACAN, which does a wonderful job of protecting and dispensing knowledge about consumers’ rights, the above flaws and more are glaring in private buses. In several private buses, drivers and conductors do not wear uniforms, some of the conductors are rude, tickets are not issued, and if anyone (especially tourists) dares to ask, they are told to get down from the bus. Shabby seats, broken interiors, loosely hanging wires, overcrowding, and loud music are common issues. The buses halt at and in between bus stops without any warning, endangering the vehicles behind. Hence, complaints could be filed, or at least a warning issued to private bus owners. One cannot blame the government or use it as a punching bag for every issue and every time.
