No obscene ads, posters: 9,600 TSRTC repainted buses hit the roads to build passenger confidence

TSRTC Managing Director VC Sajjanar said that earlier there were absurd posters and obscene ads etc on these buses. "Now, advertisements and posters will no longer be allowed," he said.

The re-painting works concluded in January. The decision to re-paint the buses was taken after several people, especially women, found some advertisements obscene and disturbing.

"Many women also said that they opted out of getting on the bus due to such ads and posters. This happened because the advertisement works were given to some third-party organization. Now, no ads or posters will be allowed," Sajjanar explained.

Sajjanar said that the TSRTC is adopting a passenger-friendly approach to improve services. He urged the public to feel free to reach out to any TSRTC official for any complaint.

"We are also trying our best to improve TSRTC services. We are also trying to solve issues. People can reach out to us on Twitter and other social media platforms as well," he said.

TSRTC currently has 97 depots and employs close to 48,000 people throughout the State. For the ongoing Medaram Jatara, TSRTC has pressed 3800 buses into service to ferry pilgrims from various parts of the state. Additionally, TSRTC also launched special cargo services to send offerings to the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara.

Women's Safety:

Sajjanar said that TSRTC conductors and drivers strive to provide safe and hassle-free travel to all women. "Anyone who misbehaves will be reported immediately to the police or SHE teams," he added.

Additionally, Sajjanar informed that the SHE teams are currently developing a website and application where conductors, drivers, or any TSRTC staff member can lodge a complaint against people who harass women on buses.

"It is being designed in such a way that the complaint instantly goes to the concerned police station and SHE team. It will be launched soon," he said.

He requested all female passengers to come forth with complaints without any fear. "I also request women to give us suggestions regarding how to make bus travel safer," he said.

Rash Driving

All bus drivers are regularly given counseling sessions regarding road safety and rash driving, Sajjanar said. TSRTC also has a dedicated accident monitoring team. This team closely monitors all rash driving cases and accidents.

"With the help of police investigation and CCTV footage, the team evaluates bus driver's performance. We also try to look into complaints against the driver if any. This analysis helps TSRTC understand whether the bus driver is actually at fault or not," he said.

Sajjanar said the public should refrain from overtaking and understand that a bus is an extremely heavy vehicle, hence cannot stop instantly like a bike or car. "If the drivers are found guilty of rash driving, they are being counseled, suspended, or removed from their jobs," he said.

There is no official record of the number of rash driving cases in TSRTC. Sajjanar noted that the cases have been reduced by at least more than 50 percent in the last 4-5 months.