A policeman checks papers of a bus
An active bus reportedly has 100 to 250 pending cases on average, including reckless overtaking, racing for passengers, signal violations and stopping mid-road to pick up or drop passengers. Mid-road stopping contributes to 28% of bus accidents in Kolkata, according to police. Transport minister Arjun Singh has proposed a 40% waiver on accumulated fines and penalties for private buses and minibuses.
Kolkata: Private bus operators have urged the state govt and Kolkata Police to reduce traffic fines, warning that mounting penalties could force more buses off the road. City Suburban Bus Service, Bus Minibus Sammanay Samiti and Joint Council of Bus Syndicate alleged that traffic police often issue multiple e-challans to the same bus in a day, sometimes without clear photo/video evidence. Police, however, pointed to widespread violations by private buses. The transport department and Kolkata Police are examining possible changes. Police have proposed mandatory training for drivers violating traffic rules.