Introduction
The Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Limited (GMCBL) was established under Section 3 of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority Act, 2017. Its mandate is to manage, operate, and maintain a city bus transport system in the Gurugram Metropolitan Area, providing the general public with a fast, reliable, convenient, efficient, modern, and economical mode of public transport. This introduction aims to delve into the penalties and offences associated with the GMCBL, focusing on the implications of travelling without a ticket and the issues surrounding bus overcrowding.
Penalties for Travelling Without a Ticket
Recently, Gurugram officials have increased the fine for travelling without a ticket from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500. This decision, implemented under Section 178 of the Motor Vehicles Act, aims to curb ticketless travel and ensure that all passengers contribute to the maintenance and operation of the bus service. Section 178 states that anyone who travels in a stage carriage without a proper pass or ticket, or fails to present it upon request, shall be punishable with a fine of up to Rs. 500.
Enforcement Measures
To enforce this regulation, a team of two members conducts inspections on buses to check for passengers travelling without tickets. These teams match passenger records with those of the conductor, ensuring adherence to the bus timetable, monitoring driver compliance with designated routes, and ensuring timely reporting at bus stations. This rigorous inspection process aims to maintain the integrity of the ticketing system and ensure that all passengers have valid tickets for their journey.
Challenges and Flaws
Despite the increased fines and enforcement measures, Section 178 has its flaws. A significant concern is the scenario where a law-abiding citizen purchases a ticket with bona fide intention but loses it due to the rush or crowd in the bus. In such cases, the passenger, despite having paid for the ticket, is treated as an offender and fined up to Rs. 500. This situation highlights the need for a more flexible and fair system to handle genuine cases of lost tickets.
Proposed Solutions
One proposed solution to address this issue is the implementation of a name-based ticketing system. In this system, tickets would be issued in the name of the passenger, allowing the conductor to verify the ticket through recorded details if it is lost. This approach would help ensure that genuine passengers are not unfairly penalized and maintain the integrity of the ticketing system.
Penalty for Overcrowding
In addition to ticketless travel, the issue of overcrowding in buses is a significant concern. The penalty for overcrowding in a bus in Gurgaon is set at ₹500 per offence. This regulation is part of a broader set of rules aimed at ensuring the safety and compliance of public transportation systems. Overcrowding not only compromises passenger comfort but also poses serious safety risks.
Enforcement Challenges
However, despite the existence of this regulation, there is a lack of effective on-ground implementation. The teams constituted by the officials focus primarily on checking tickets and often overlook issues of overcrowding and delays in reaching bus stops. This lack of comprehensive enforcement has led to a worsening situation with no scope for improvement, as overcrowded buses continue to operate without significant repercussions.
Addressing the Stop Request
An additional concern with the GMCBL service is the handling of stops requests. Passengers have the option to request stops, but drivers often ignore these requests, stopping only at predetermined locations. In some cases, drivers may even skip stops if no passengers are visibly waiting, causing inconvenience for those needing to disembark. This practice undermines the reliability and efficiency of the service, as it fails to accommodate the needs of all passengers.
Conclusion
The GMCBL plays a crucial role in providing reliable and efficient public transportation in Gurugram. While the increased fines for ticketless travel and penalties for overcrowding are steps in the right direction, there are significant challenges in enforcement and fairness that need to be addressed. Implementing a name-based ticketing system could mitigate issues related to lost tickets, ensuring that genuine passengers are not unfairly penalized. Moreover, a more comprehensive enforcement approach that includes monitoring and addressing overcrowding is essential for improving the overall quality and safety of the bus service. Addressing these issues effectively will require a concerted effort from both the authorities and the public to ensure a smooth, reliable, and safe public transportation system in Gurugram.
CONTRIBUTED BY;Lucky Singh, (Intern), Army Institute of Law, Mohali