Chandigarh: The State Transport Authority (STA) has decided to phase out all non-AC buses and replace them with AC ones. This comes in line with the ambitious plans of the administration in trying to create transport options for residents so that they shift from private vehicles to public transport.
To promote tourism in Chandigarh, STA has also decided to waive the composite fee being imposed on All India Tourist Vehicles coming from outside of UT. The buses and motor cabs were charged Rs 12,000 and Rs 3,000 for 3 months (quarter year). From now onwards, no composite fee would be imposed on such vehicles. The administration has also decided to increase the All India Tourist Permits for AC buses to 50, from the existing 25 permits. The applications for the same would be invited through public advertisement.
The decisions were formally taken at the 133 rd meeting of the STA body under the Chairmanship of UT Home Secretary, Krishna Mohan, today.
Rate of penalty being imposed for late passing/permit renewal on commercial vehicles has been increased. For auto rickshaws, it has been increased to Rs 50 from the existing Rs 20. For LMVs, it has been increased from Rs 80 to Rs 100 and for MTV/HTV, it has been increased from Rs 150 to Rs 200.
The meeting was held to form a committee consisting of Director Tourism, Secretary/STA and Addl Secretary/STA, Chandigarh to oversee the draw of lots.
All India Tourist Permits are to be allotted against 8 vacant tourist permits. As per applications invited by STA, 33 applicants have been found eligible. Draw of lots will be taken out for these 8 permits from 33 applicants by forming a Screening Committee.
STA also decided that alteration in the motor vehicles is to be strictly allowed as per Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. 165 temporary Stage Carriage Permits granted to CTU were regularised as Regular Stage Carriage permits. It was decided to consider the replacement of auto rickshaws in the new transport policy being framed.
Source: Express News Service