Chapter II HISTORY AND GROWTH OF OMNI BUS SERVICES

Transcription

1 Chapter II HISTORY AND GROWTH OF OMNI BUS SERVICES

2 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Services 2.3 Types of Services 2.4 Transport 2.5 Buses in Road Transport 2.6 Public Sector in Transportation 2.7 Private Sector in Transportation 2.8 Procedure for Applying Omni Bus Permit 2.9 Booking of Tickets in Omni Buses 2.10 Passenger Alerts 2.11 Luggage Carried by the Passengers in Omni Buses 2.12 Rates Charged in Omni Buses 2.13 Association of Omni Bus Services 2.14 Tax Rates for Omni Buses 2.15 Rules of the Road Regulation 2.16 Designers of Omni Buses 2.17 Summary

3 2.1 INTRODUCTION Services are the activities which are involved in producing intangible products such as education, entertainment, food and lodging, transportation, insurance, trade, government, financial, real estate, medical, consultancy, repair and maintenance like occupation. Consumers compare services both nationally and internationally. They demand variety and improved quality. Communication and travel have increased aspiration levels. This has led to greater reliance on specialist service providers. 2.2 SERVICES The American Marketing Association defines services as services are activities, benefits or satisfaction which are offered for sale and provided in connection with the sale of goods. 1 Kotler defines service as any act or performance that one party can offer to another that is essentially intangible and does not result in the ownership of anything. Its production may or may not be tied to a physical product TYPES OF SERVICES It is important to divide the services under various categories for formulating unique strategies to promote them and also for managing them 1 Natarajan,L.(2006). Services Marketing. Margham Publications, Chennai. 2 Reddy,P.N., Appannaiah,H.R., Anil Kumar,S & Nirmala. (2000). Services Marketing. Himalaya Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai. 44

4 effectively and efficiently. World Trade Organization (WTO) has divided services into12 sectors Business services (including professional and computer) 2. Communication services. 3. Construction and engineering services. 4. Distribution services. 5. Educational services. 6. Environmental services. 7. Financial services. 8. Health services. 9. Tourism and Travel services. 10. Recreational and cultural services. 11. Transport services. 12. Other services those are not included elsewhere. Among the services, transport is the main stream of a nation s economy. The demand for transport is likely to go up with population increase and economic growth coupled with rapid urbanization. 3 Anil Sarin. (2007). Contemporary Issues in Services Marketing, Indian Journal of Marketing, XXXVII (10),

5 2.4 TRANSPORT Transport refers to the activity that facilitates physical movement of goods as well as individuals from one place to another. Now-a-days goods produced at one place are readily available at distant places. People move freely throughout the world because of advanced means of transport. It is associated with every step of one s life Modes of Transport Basically transport is possible through land, air or water. These are called as different modes of transport. On land, trucks, tractors, etc., are used to carry goods and train, buses, cars, etc., are used to carry passengers. In air, aero planes, helicopters are used to carry passengers as well as goods. In water, ships, steamers, etc., are used to carry goods and passengers Significance of Transport Products used in our daily life are produced at specific places and are carried from those places through rail, road or air to be made available in all parts of the world. Similarly, people travel from one place to another on various errands, by buses, trains, cars, scooters, rickshaws, cycles, etc. Transport services become mandatory for the people to live at ease in this globalised era. Among these transport services, road transport has comparatively greater flexibility, variety and versatility than others. 46

6 2.4.3 Road Transport Road transport is the essential mode of transport for travelling. The road transport encompasses the passenger and cargo segments and is the best possible mode of linking hinter lands with growing cities since more than 50 per cent of passengers and 60 per cent of freight are made up by roads. The Government (both the Union Government of India and the State Government) which realized the need and importance of road transport have established a number of road transport corporations on their own Road Network India has a network of National Highways connecting all the major cities and state capitals, forming the economic backbone of the country. As of 2013, India has a total of 70,934 km of National Highways, of which 1,208 km are classified as expressways. Under National Highways Development Project (NHDP), work is under progress to equip some of the important national highways with four lanes and there is a plan to convert some stretches of these roads to six lanes. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is an autonomous agency of the Government of India, responsible for management of a network of over 70,000 km of National Highways in India. It is a nodal agency of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It is responsible for the development, maintenance, management and operation of National Highways. The NHAI has the mandate to implement the National Highways Development 47

7 Project (NHDP). For the development of the rural roads, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojanaor Prime Minister Rural Roads Scheme was launched in December 2000 by the Indian Government to provide connectivity to unconnected rural habitations. The scheme envisions that these roads will be constructed and maintained by the village panchayats Indian Economy and Road Transport The economic development of the country and the consequent demand for transport services had necessitated expansion as well as improvement of the road network. The new economic policy of 1991 allowed the private sector to participate in construction, maintenance and operation of roads on Built- Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis. The economic development of a country and the advancement of civilization depend upon a good road system. The committee on transport policy and co ordination has rightly stated in 1996 that, The significance of the transport sector lies not only in the specific services it renders, but also in the unifying and integrating influence it exerts upon the economy by enhancing productivity, widening the market, introducing new stimuli to economic activity and bringing village and town nearer to each other. 4 Transport sector accounted for a share of 6.5 per cent in India s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Road transport is the dominant mode of 4 Planning Commission Government of India. (1996).Committee on Transport Policy and Coordination, 48

8 transport with a share of 4.8 per cent in GDP. The share of different modes of transport in GDP is presented in Table 2.1. Table 2.1 Share of Different Modes of Transport in GDP As percentage of GDP (at factor cost and constant prices) Sector Transport Railways Road transport Water transport Air transport Services* * Services incidental to transport. Source: Central Statistical Organisation. It may be noted that the entire increase in percentage share of transport in GDP since has come from road transport sector only, with share of other modes remaining either constant or falling marginally. The growth of road transport in India has been very fast since 1950s. The total number of vehicles on roads has risen from 3lakhs in to 448 lakhs in that is 149 times. During the same period, the goods vehicles have increased from 82,000 to 25, 54,000 (3times) and the passenger buses have gone up from 34,000 to 5, 40,000 (16 times). But the capacity of roads and highways in India has not been growing in proportion to the growth in automobile vehicles. 49

9 2.5 BUSES IN ROAD TRANSPORT Bus is one of the main stream ways to travel from one place to another. Common Indian people travel by Indian railway or bus. The buses in India are either private or government based. A huge amount of people frequently uses this way of travelling through one city to another and through different states. By linking the backward regions with the relatively more advanced, bus transport helps in the better and fuller utilization of resources and increases the standard of living of people Development of Buses in Road Transport of India In ancient times, people were so poor that they covered long distances on foot. Palanquins, also known as palkis, were one of the luxurious methods used by the rich and noblemen for travelling. Bullock carts have been traditionally used for transport, especially in rural India. In the 20th century, the old modes of transport, the cart and the carriage were still used. The new additions especially in the north of India were all horse drawn. They were the tanga, ekka and shikram a box-like four wheeler. Hand drawn and hand pushed carts were also used for conveying people and goods. The first car ran on India's roads in Prior to independence in the 1940s, India had no automobile industry to speak of. Cars were brought into the country in a knocked down condition from England. They were reassembled to serve the minuscule market provided by the British ruling class 50

10 and some Indian elites. The presence of such vehicles led to the birth of an indigenous spare parts industry mostly concentrated in the south of the country. Since 1913, Bombay Electric Supply & Tramways Company Limited (B.E.S.T. Company) had been pondering over starting a motorised bus service. The main factor against its introduction was the high accident rate for a similar service in London. Finally, after years of debate, the company came to a decision on February 10, 1926, to start a bus service later that year. On July 15, 1926, the first bus service in India was started on three routes. Express/Corridor buses service long distance intra-city routes and have fares that are the same as the Special routes, but with lesser number of stops. They have route numbers indicated in red on a yellow background. Road Transport in India grew rapidly after 1947 owing to rapid growth in urbanization and per capita income and to the vehicle production moving there. From the age of animal driven carts to high-speed automobiles today, mode of transportation in India indeed kept pace with the remarkably progress of the country. Buses are an important means of public transport in India, particularly in the countryside and remote areas where the rail network cannot be accessed and airline operations are few or non-existent. Due to this social significance, public bus transport is predominantly owned and operated by public agencies, and most state governments operate bus services through a State Road Transport Corporation. These corporations, introduced in the 1960s and 1970s, 51

11 have proven extremely useful in connecting villages and towns across the country. BEST currently has over 1500 environmentally friendly Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses on its fleet and plans to increase the number of buses. Taking into account the changes in the road transport technology, pattern of passenger and freight movements, development of the road network in the country and particularly improved technology in the motor vehicle management, the Motor Vehicle Act, 1939 was consolidated and amended by parliament, which is now called the Central Motor Vehicles Act,1988. The said act empowers the Central Government to frame rules under provisions of the Act. Road Transport in India is primarily the responsibility of the State Government and U.T. Administrations. The State Govt. and Union Territory Administrations regulate road transport under the provisions of the relevant Motor Vehicle Act/rules in the respective states Growth of Buses in India The total number of buses in India has increased from 55 million in the year 2001 to million in the year 2011.It is shown in Table

12 Table 2.2 Growth of Buses in India Year No. of Buses(in millions) Source: Offices of State Transport Commissioners/UT Administration The growth of number of buses in India from the year 2001 to 2011is understood clearly from the chart given in Figure

13 No.of Buses(in million) FIGURE 2.1 GROWTH OF BUSES IN INDIA Growth of Buses in India from Year No.of Buses(in million) Source: Offices of State Transport Commissioners/UT Administration 54

14 2.5.3 Development of Buses in Road Transport of Tamilnadu Tamilnadu road transport looks after the maintenance and upkeep of the roads and makes new roads to connect the remote areas of the state. This governmental department of the state also takes care of the Bus systems of the state. The Government of Tamilnadu was one of the first states to take a bold decision of encouraging the private and public sector co-operation for bolstering the infrastructure of the state. The partnership of the two sectors led to the formation of Tamil Nadu Road Development Company which ushered in many new projects that helped in the improvement of the roads and bus services. Tamilnadu road transport assists in developing and maintaining the national highways, city roads, district roads and village roads. It also formulates various methods and strategies for the safety and security of the citizens. The details of Tamilnadu road network is shown in Table

15 Table 2.3 Tamilnadu Road Network Class Length (km) National Highways/express ways 4,873 State Highways 9,384 Major district roads 11,288 Other district roads 36,096 Panchayat roads and other departments roads 1,37,399 Total 1,99,040 Source: Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation Growth of Buses in Tamilnadu in Table 2.4. The total number of registered buses in India from is shown 56

16 Year Table 2.4 Number of Registered Buses in Tamilnadu Number of Buses Registered Public Private Omni Bus(SP) Omni Bus(AIP) (on ) Source: Tamilnadu Transport Department SP-State Permit AIP-All India Permit It is clear from the Table 2.4 that the number of registered buses has increased year by year. 2.6 PUBLIC SECTOR IN TRANSPORTATION The State Transport Undertakings in Tamilnadu are well placed to take full advantage of this growth. Public bus transport must ensure safety and security of operations as well as comfort of the passengers. An important aspect of public transportation is to make its operation more attractive to 57

17 passengers and thereby achieve at least a share of 70 per cent of all modes of transportation put together. Towards this end, the State Transport Undertakings in Tamilnadu have already started implementing various schemes like, traffic management systems, travellers information system, electronic fare collection, fleet management, emergency and rescue response, etc. All over the world, the current trend for the public transportation system is to make the system more responsive and responsible to the passengers. With the active support and assistance from the Government, the State Transport Undertakings will achieve these objectives. The Government of Tamilnadu has implemented many schemes to provide transport services to the common people. The following are some of the services available to the public. a. Free passes to all students studying in Government schools. b. Concession tickets for the students of arts, science, professional and technical educational institutions. c. Free pass to physically handicapped persons who are below the poverty line. d. Free pass to mentally retarded and blind persons with a low monthly income. e. Free pass to cancer patients, freedom fighters and their legal heirs when necessary certificates are produced. 58

18 The other important services are: i) Luggage Fare -Passengers can carry hand bags, small boxes upto 20 kg at free of charge. The luggage fare for items meant for sale is nominal and dependent on the weight of the luggage carried. ii) Breakdown service -If the operation of a bus is disturbed due to any mechanical problem, the driver of the bus will park it close to the kerb of the road without hindrance to the traffic flow. The conductor of the bus will sign on the rear side of the tickets and stop the oncoming buses and make facilities for the stranded passengers to travel further. Other arrangements for the service of the bus will be done by the conductor. iii)theft / Attack / Damage to Buses -In case of any theft or attack or damage to either the passengers in the bus or to the duty driver and conductor of the bus, the bus will be taken immediately to the nearest police station without stopping enroute and further procedures are performed. In case of an injury, the injured is taken immediately to the nearest Government hospital Accidents involving State Transport Buses In case of any accidents involving state transport buses, the crew of the bus should report to the Accident Branch and to the nearest police station about the location, time, accident details, route number, bus number, registration number, details of other vehicles, etc., immediately. The injured persons should be taken immediately to the nearest Government hospital and arrangements should be made for giving medical treatment. The driver and 59

19 conductor should co-operate with the investigating traffic inspector of the Accident Branch and the police in getting clues and necessary witness to investigate the accident Road safety and prevention of Accidents The Government accords importance to accident prevention measures to reduce road accidents involving State Transport Undertaking buses. This Government's focus is on road safety, reduction and avoidance of accidents. Special increment to the drivers who perform duty without any accident for 10 years, etc., are being undertaken by the State Transport Undertakings to ensure safe driving by the drivers of State Transport Undertakings. 2.7 PRIVATE SECTOR IN TRANSPORTATION With the new economic policy introduced in 1991, the private sector has entered into different areas including passenger bus transportation. The bus operation of the private sector plays a vital role in passenger transportation in India. They account for more than 60 per cent of the total number of buses in India and 30 per cent in Tamilnadu. This has gradually increased the number of omni buses operating between different parts in Tamilnadu Omni Buses Omni bus is a word derived from Latin, meaning, For All. Omni bus refers to a large well- maintained motor coach designed to carry a number of people as passengers, generally over a fixed route. 60

20 2.7.2 History of Omni Buses Omni buses were first introduced in London in 1800.In July 1829, George Shillibeer started his first short-stage carriage, called the omni bus, drawn by three horses abreast, which operated over a scheduled route between Paddington and the Bank of England. PLATE 2.1 THE FIRST OMNI BUS IN 1829 In 1830, Sir Goldworthy Gurney of Great Britain designed a large stagecoach driven by a steam engine that may have been the first motordriven omni bus. In 1895, an eight-passenger omni bus, driven by a fourhorsepower single-cylinder engine, was built in Germany. Early buses in the United States were operated by sightseeing companies in New York City. One type of these open vehicles built by Mack Trucks, Inc., in 1900 had a nominal seating capacity of 20 with a four-cylinder gasoline engine developing 40 horsepower at street speeds of up to 32 km per hour. 61

21 Until the 1920s, the technical history of the omni bus was that of the motor truck, because the early bus consisted of a bus body mounted on a truck chassis. In 1921, the first vehicle with a chassis specifically designed for omni bus service was made in the United States by Fageol Safety Coach Company of Oakland, Calif. The widened and lengthened frame was 30 cm (12 inches) lower than a truck frame. In 1926, Fageol developed the first integral-frame omni bus, with twin engines mounted amidships under the floor. The integral frame utilised the roof, floor and sides of the bus as structural members. In 1928, transcontinental bus service was initiated in the United States. In 1931, the first rear engine in an integral-frame omni bus was introduced. Two-stroke-cycle diesel engine was first used in omni buses in 1938 and is still found in most city and intercity models. Air suspensions were introduced in 1953 and continue to be employed on integral-frame omni bus models. They consist of multiple heavy rubber bellows or air springs mounted at each axle. An advantage gained from this type of suspension is that, as the load increases or decreases, the level and height of the vehicle remain constant. In 1980s, the manufacturers of United States designed the conventional omni buses with 75 per cent increase in seating capacity and 20 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency per kilometre. After 1980, omni buses with seating comfort and larger glass areas have been developed in Europe and Asia. 62

22 2.7.3 Omni Buses in Tamilnadu In Tamilnadu, nationalization of passenger bus transport was undertaken in Madras city in October 1947.In July 1948, the entire passenger bus services in the Madras city was taken over by the Government. In 1991, encouragement was given to the private sector buses to function in different areas. This has encouraged the private omni bus operators. As a result, they have gradually increased their number of omni buses operating among different parts in Tamilnadu. Omni buses now connect different places such as Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mysore, Kerala and the like. Omni buses have a regular segment of passengers for their services. Now omni buses connect all the parts of our country. The operation of omni buses constitutes a distinguished segment of express and long distance bus services, supplementing state transport. The omni buses act as carriers of goods and courier services. The number of omni buses registered in Tamilnadu which stood at 154 in the year had increased to 938 in District-wise Omni Buses in Tamilnadu Omni buses ply all over the districts in Tamil Nadu. There are 32 districts in the state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai has maximum number of omni buses (244) having permit within the state and all India level and Virudhunagar district has only 11 registered state permit omni buses. The details of Districtwise omni buses as on are shown in Table

23 Table 2.5 District-wise Omni Buses in Tamilnadu Omni Buses Name of the District All India State Permit Permit Chennai Kancheepuram 77 - Thiruvallure 14 - Vellore - 2 Villupuram 5 - Salem 78 9 Namakkal 61 - Krishnakiri 3 - Trichy 69 8 Karur 10 - Perambalur 5 - Thanjavur 52 3 Nagapattinam 30 - Pudukkottai - 7 Erode 4 4 Coimbatore Udhagamandalam - 2 Thirupur 11 - Madurai 26 7 Dindigul 16 - Theni 39 - Virudhunagar 11 - Sivagangai 1 - Tuticorin 46 6 Thirunelveli 20 - Total Source: 64

24 Omni Bus Operators in Virudhunagar District There are many companies providing omni bus services in Virudhunagar district. Some important omni bus operators in Virudhunagar District are as follows. Parveen Travels KPN Travels SRS Travels TVLS Travels Royal Travels Amarnath Travels Rathimeena Travels Arthi Travels Vivegam Travels Muthumari Travels Sharma Travels 2.8 PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING OMNI BUS PERMIT Tamilnadu Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 framed the guidelines for granting permit to private service vehicles. These guidelines are as follows: An application for a permit in respect of private service vehicles shall be in the form prescribed in rule 170 and shall be accompanied by a fee 65

25 prescribed in the Table under rule 279. The Regional Transport Authority in considering an application for grant of a permit to a private service vehicle with regard to the necessity for the use of the vehicle for carrying person for trade or business of the applicant, may impose conditions to be specified in the permit regarding the maximum number of persons who may be carried, the manner in which they may be carried and the area or the route for which the permit shall be valid. The Regional Transport Authority may, in its discretion, refuse an application for grant of permit to a private service vehicle, if it is satisfied that the applicant is the holder of a private service vehicle permit which has been suspended or cancelled. No person may sit nor may any goods be placed on the right of the driver of a transport vehicle fitted with right hand steering control and on the left of the driver of a transport vehicle fitted with left hand steering control. The Transport Authority, may, if no stopping places have been fixed for a stage carriage in accordance with the provisions of any statute, fix such places for such carriages after consultation with such other authority as it may deem desirable. Such stopping places shall be indicated by means of notice boards. The driver of a stage carriage shall stop it at such stopping places when so required by any person wishing to alight or to enter but he need not stop the stage carriage for a person wishing to enter it if it is already full. Halts for the purposes of setting down or taking up passengers shall be limited to the time reasonably necessary for such purpose, on routes along which stopping places 66

26 have been fixed, no driver of a stage carriage shall stop it at any place other than such stopping place except (i) when failure to stop the vehicle would constitute an offence punishable under these rules or under any law for the time being in force or (ii) in case of a mechanical breakdown. The vehicle to which the permit relates shall at the times to be so maintained to comply with the requirements of Chapter VII of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 and the rules are mentioned there under. a. The vehicle shall not be replaced by another vehicle except with the permission of the Transport Authority which granted the permit. b. The vehicle shall be used only in the area of the route or routes specified in the permit. c. Any prohibition or restriction imposed and any maximum fares of freights fixed by notification made under Section 7 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 shall be observed in connection with any vehicle to which the permit relates. d. The holder of the permit shall furnish to the Transport Authority such periodical return statistics and other information as the State Government may from time to time prescribe. e. The vehicle shall have a current valid certificate of fitness. f. The vehicle shall carry a first aid box containing the following articles: 67

27 A copy of first aid leaf-let. Twenty four sterilized finger dressings. Twelve sterilized hand or foot dressings. Twelve sterilized large body dressings. One extra large, two large and three small sterilized burn dressings. Two fifteen grams packets of sterilized cotton wool. A bottle of 2 per cent tincture of iodine. g. The vehicle shall not be allowed or caused to be allowed to carry any stolen property with the knowledge that the same was stolen. h. The vehicle shall be allowed or caused to be driven only by a duly qualified person, holding a valid driving license. 2.9 BOOKING OF TICKETS IN OMNI BUSES Ticket is an authorisation by the omni bus operators to the passengers to travel for the specified journey in their buses. E-ticket refers to online reservation booked through website, for which the customer prints out an Electronic Reservation Slip. For E-ticket, passengers should show any authorized ID. The Personal Photo Identification Card falling in any of these five categories. 1. Passport 2.Voter Identification Card 3.Driving License 4. PAN Card 5. Central Government or State Government issued employee identification. For Non-Indians, their country s passport will constitute sole authorised ID. 68

28 Internet encompasses all facets of life. Today internet is involved into the bus services and using internet, one can book the tickets through online. It is a great advancement in the field of bus service. Using this service, the tickets can be booked anywhere and anytime in the world according to one s choice and requirement. One s precious time need not be wasted in standing in a queue for bus ticket reservation. There are many websites of the travel agencies in the internet who are providing these services for everyone. The passengers can book the tickets either through the omni bus agencies or through online. While booking tickets through online, the passengers can know all the details regarding current status of reserved tickets, time table, bus fare and availability of seats Confirmation of Booking Booking and reservation will be confirmed online, after completing the transaction successfully. Further, the system will issue a unique transaction number for each booking. Payment on credit card is processed by E-Billing Solution (EBS) Payment Gateway. Booking of tickets is subject to realisation of fare and the service charges (including Service Tax) from EBS through the Payment Gateway. Extra amount will be charged for the online tickets. Passengers can book either through their mobile or internet online, pay through cards or internet-enabled bank accounts, and reserve seats in omni buses. 69

29 2.9.2 Details of Cancellation of Tickets in Omni Buses 10 per cent of the bus fare will be deducted if the passengers cancel the tickets before 48 hours of schedule time of the bus departure. 20 per cent of the bus fare will be deducted if the passengers cancel the tickets between 24 hours and 48 hours of schedule time of the bus departure. 50 per cent of the bus fare will be deducted if the passengers cancel the tickets just before 30 minutes or after the departure time of the bus. 6 The terms and conditions of cancellation of tickets and refund may vary according to the omni bus service operators PASSENGER ALERTS The passengers can get real time periodic messages about the location and delay information of the bus. Using Google maps, they can also track the exact location of the bus, departure time at previous boarding point and the expected arrival time at the next boarding point LUGGAGE CARRIED BY THE PASSENGERS IN OMNI BUSES The omni bus company is not at all responsible for the missing or lost luggage. The passengers carry their luggage at their own risk and responsibility. The luggage of passengers should not exceed the recommended weight. The omni bus company shall be entitled to inspect all luggage for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the above requirements

30 2.12 RATES CHARGED IN OMNI BUSES The rates charged in omni buses may differ according to the different types of buses such as Volvo A/c buses, sleeper buses, multi axle buses, non A/c seater. It may vary according to the omni bus service operators. Recently, Tamilnadu Omni Bus Owners Association (TOBOA) announced an increase in ticket fares. While a ticket on a multi-axle A/c bus would cost 2.25 per km, an increase of almost 30 per cent that on a non-a/c bus would cost around 1.75 per km, an increase of around 15 per cent. The rates have been increased from 1.75 and 1.50 per km respectively. 7 Bus operators stated that the increase in fare was unavoidable. Over the last 18 months, their operating costs have increased tremendously from diesel prices, service taxes, toll prices, and insurance and driver salaries; they have stretched their bank loans and can no longer operate with the current fares ASSOCIATION OF OMNI BUS SERVICES Tamilnadu Omni Bus Owners Association (TOBOA) is established in the year It is an organization aimed to protect the interests and welfare of the omni bus owners. The objectives of association are to develop spirit of unity among transport operators, agents, owners, to liaise with the government in order to frame various policy matters, to maintain harmonious relationships with staff, driver fraternity and to carry out welfare activities that benefit transport community. 7 hindu.com 71

31 The current membership of the association is 137 members with a fleet size of 1000 vehicles handling passenger movement across Tamilnadu and neighbouring states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerela and Goa. The association has adopted Hi-Tech buses, reclining seats, sleeper coaches and multi axle coaches to exceed passenger satisfaction. Mr.A.Afzal, Managing Director of Parveen Travels is the president of TOBOA. Further TOBOA has a dedicated facility which looks after complaints and grievances of passengers pertaining to day to day difficulties concerning connectivity, prices, comforts, services, etc., Recently, Tamilnadu Omni Bus Owners Association announced an increase in ticket fares TAX RATES FOR OMNI BUSES The tax rates for omni buses fixed by State Transport authority of Government of Tamilnadu are as follows. If the seat capacity is not more than 36 (other than driver), for every square meter of floor area of the vehicle- 4900/- If it is more than 36 (other than driver), for every person / RULES OF THE ROAD REGULATION The umbrella piece of legislation with regard to Indian road rules is titled 'Rules of the Road Regulation'. The latest edition was brought into force on July 1, The act broadly deals with the rules and regulations that are applicable to two, three and four wheeler users across the country. 72

32 The first 12 sub-sections of this legislation deal with the actual guidelines to be followed while driving or riding on the road. In addition to regular road safety rules, there are specific instructions such as making way for fire service vehicles and ambulances. It is followed by a specific section on hand signals and their equivalents through mechanical and electrical devices. Subsection 15 is an extensive one that deals with the safe parking of a vehicle. Subsections 16 to 22 are also elaborate in themselves, dealing with areas such as visibility of lamps and registration marks, one-way traffic and safe towing. The final sub-section of the Rules of the Road Regulation deals with the documents that a driver or rider needs to carry: i. A Driving License ii. iii. iv. Certificate of Registration Certificate of Taxation Certificate of Insurance v. A Fitness Certificate The Rules of the Road Regulation, 1989 is a must-read for road users on their way to responsive and responsible driving Driving License Many of the motor vehicle accidents are caused due to negligence of drivers. This is reflected in the monthly reports received in form J from the Regional Transport Officers in respect of work done by Inspector of motor vehicle. Section 19 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 vests power with the licensing 73

33 authority to disqualify a person from holding the driving license on several grounds such as the driving of the vehicle by the holder of license is likely to be attended with danger to the public, etc. Where the gravity of the offence on the part of the driver causing accident is such it should warrant disqualification of the driver to hold the driving license, the Inspector of motor vehicles while inspecting the accident cases should make a separate report to the licensing authority i.e., Regional Transport Officer/Additional Regional Transport Officer / Assistant Regional Transport Officer with his recommendation for disqualifying the driver concerned from holding the driving license or to revoke such license depending on the gravity of the offence. This would go a long way in minimizing the accident cases occurring due to negligence of drivers. The Rules 24 or 31-A of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 deal with the licensing of driving training schools. As provided therein all the licensing authorities are competent to grant licenses for opening and functioning of driving schools. For authorisation to drive a transport vehicle requires possession of a driving certificate issued by a school referred to in Section 12 of the Motor Vehicles Act, Road Accidents in India The road accident rate in India is truly alarming. An estimation of 3,00,000 accidents take place on Indian roads every year. The latest annual statistics indicate that over 80,000 people are killed on Indian roads while the total economic loss owing to road accidents is estimated to be over 3,600 74

34 crores. These figures do not reflect the human suffering and social problems caused by accidents. Driving or riding a vehicle in India is becoming a dangerous experience and Indian roads like those of other Asian countries are becoming veritable death traps. Studies conducted in India and other parts of the world have indicated that negligent road-user behaviour is the main factor in 65 per cent of the accidents. In India, the total number of road accidents has increased from 4.86 lakh in 2001 to 6.28 lakh in Accidents in Omni Buses In the existing transport situation, omni bus services are influenced by many factors such as competition in transport markets, transportation cost, type and quality of infrastructure, policies and regulation of government, safety and security, etc. Among these factors, safety is a serious problem the omni bus operators often face. Now-a-days accidents in omni buses are increasing. Accident-free record of performance of omni bus services is a contributory factor for their good reputation. Accidents may occur due to failure of machine or man. It is a challenge for omni bus operators to safeguard the passengers travelling in omni buses. Every omni bus operator has to study and fulfill the expectations of the passengers regarding safety aspects, if he wants to be a successful operator in the market. The factors influencing causes of accidents in omni buses are: Unfavourable road conditions 75

35 Over speed Overloading Fault of drivers Fault of pedestrian The number of accidents in Tamilnadu according to types of causes during the year 2013 is described in Table 2.6. Table 2.6 Number of Accidents in Tamilnadu Types of Causes Fatal Grevious injury Minor Injury Noninjury N.A. N.P.K. N.A. N.P.I N.A. N.P.I N.A. Total Accidents Fault of Driver Fault of Passenger other than Driver Fault of Pedestrian Mechanical Defect Bad Road Bad Weather Others Total Source: DGP, SCRB, Chennai. N.A. Number of Accidents N.P.K. Number of Persons Killed N.P.I. Number of Persons Injured 76

36 From Table 2.6, it is clear that most of the accidents (63,658 out of 66,238) occurred due to the fault of the driver. Due to large increase in number of vehicles on roads, absolute number of accidents is increasing over the years. In Tamilnadu, the total number of road accidents has increased from 34,925 in 1993 to 66,238 in Among these road accidents, the cases against omni buses are given in Table 2.7. Table 2.7 Cases against Omni Buses Cases against Omni buses Year Drunk driving Over speeding Passenger overloading Source: Tamilnadu Transport Department Safety Norms for Omni Buses According to Madras High Court, It is illegal for all India permitholding omni buses to operate within Tamilnadu only and all omni buses in the state must fix an emergency exit on the rear side. 8 The emergency exit shall be fixed on the off side of the rear window screen of the vehicles and ahead of each trip the passengers must be explained 8 hindu.com 77

37 as to how they should use the emergency exit, explained by Justice D.Murugesan and Justice K. K. Sasidharan of Madras High Court. 9 They also point out that Rule 319 (2) of the Tamilnadu Motor Vehicle Rules requires that express stage carriages and contract carriages (omni buses) shall have an entrance-cum-exit on the left side of the vehicle either in the front or in the rear and an emergency exit on the off side of the vehicle at the rear window screen of the vehicles. A large proportion of the killed occupants were ejected out of the bus. It is to be reduced by protective measures, such as a safety belt. Safety standards on an international level will also have to be considered. Considerable advantages are to be expected from the use of antilock brake devices in buses. Both the drivers and the conductors should be trained on how to deal with emergencies. Safety instructions must be given at the start of every trip, similar to what air passengers receive. There must be emergency exits, which are not symmetrically opposite, on either side of the bus and it should be clearly marked by a flashing bulb at night DESIGNERS OF OMNI BUSES The omni bus manufacturers design the buses according to the needs of passengers. Volvo, Multi-axle bus, Mercedes-Benz and Ashok Leyland are the famous omni buses produced by the omni bus manufacturers. 9 Ibid., 78

38 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz is a German automobile manufacturer. Mercedes-Benz is part of the German Big 3 luxury automakers, along with Audi and BMW, which are the best selling luxury automakers in the world. These are expressly designed coach. This bus is completely air conditioned and the vestibule is with lounge, prayer room and bar. PLATE 2.2 MERCEDES-BENZ Volvo Buses Volvo buses are made by a Swedish vehicle maker, Volvo. It is the world s largest bus manufacturer, with a complete range of heavy buses for passenger transportation. The product range includes complete buses and coaches as well as chassis combined with a comprehensive range of services. Volvo buses redefined efficient bus travel with high vehicle uptime, ride comfort, transport economy, a flexible and versatile design that offers reliable, safe and profitable transport solutions. 79

39 PLATE 2.3 VOLVO BUS Multi-axle Buses A multi-axle bus is a bus or coach that has more than the conventional two axles, usually three (known as tri-axle bus) or more rarely four axles (known as quad-axle bus) to accommodate the heavier chassis and passenger load Volvo 9400 Multi-axle Buses Volvo 9400 multi-axle is an advanced transport solution for operators and passengers. Passengers can enjoy comfortable ride on long distance travel. The new multi-axle coach is built by Volvo in India. The paradigms of efficiency, built quality and safety are further enhanced with the driver compartment ergonomically designed for stress free operation. The electronically controlled brake system further exemplifies the safety of Volvo Comfort moves to luxury with low noise and vibration-free interiors. Coupled with this are ergonomic seats and a perfect climate controlled environment, with roof-mounted air-conditioning system and heat insulated windows. 80

40 PLATE 2.4 MULTI-AXLE BUS I-Bus Ashok Leyland is an Indian automobile manufacturing company based in Chennai, India. It was founded in 1948 by Raghunandan Saran, a freedom fighter from Punjab.It is the second largest commercial vehicle manufacturers in India, fourth largest manufacturer of buses in the world.ashok Leyland announced ibus in the beginning of The cost is 60 lakhs. In India, this low-floored ibus has the first of its kind features, including anti-lock braking system, electronic engine management and passenger infotainment. The executive class has an airline like ambience with wide LCD screens, reading lights, audio speakers and, for the first time, internet on the move. A Global Positioning System (GPS) enables vehicle tracking and display of dynamic and news. The ibus of Ashok Leyland has hybrid technology. In the journey towards global standards of quality, Ashok Leyland reached a major milestone in 1993 when it became the first in India's automobile history to obtain the ISO 9002 certification. 81

41 PLATE 2.5 I-BUS Low-floor Bus A low-floor bus is a bus that has no steps between one or more entrances and part or the entire passenger cabin. Being low floor improves the accessibility of the bus for the public, particularly the elderly or infirm, or those with push chairs, and increasingly those in wheel chairs. In the modern context, low floor bus refers to a bus that is accessible from a certain minimum height of step from ground level, to distinguish it from some historical bus designs that did feature a level interior floor throughout but with a relatively high-floor height. 82

42 PLATE 2.6 NEW LOW FLOOR BUS IN BANGALORE, INDIA Konferenz on Wheels Parveen Travels company launches Konferenz on wheels.they are built with great advantages over the conventional chassis. The single body ensures high safety to passengers and independent suspension is unique. A refreshing conferencing facility on wheels is available. Mr.A. Afzal, Managing Director of the company addresses the press conference in the bus. PLATE 2.7 KONFERENZ ON WHEELS 83

43 House on Wheels Parveen Travels company offers a luxury coach called House on Wheels for those interested in exploring the temples, forests and beaches of southern India. The facilities surely set it apart from the rest. A modern caravan, built by Parveen Travels, features the latest safety equipment, trendy interiors, and two luxurious bedrooms with king-size beds. The vehicle has external lawnings for those who wish to take in the sights outside the motor home. Chairs, a portable TV, a small coffee table can be added at extra cost and one can make the most of a long holiday by travelling beyond Tamil Nadu as the caravan has an all- India permit. PLATE 2.8 HOUSE ON WHEELS AND INTERNAL VIEW OF HOUSE ON WHEELS 84

44 New Luxury Omni Bus-Peco59 via Flickr The new luxury omni bus introduced by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation(KSRTC), have many facilities such as presence of LCD screens, reclining seats, washrooms, chemical toilets, individual TVs with 70 channels, pantries and Wi-Fi. PLATE 2.9 PECO59 VIA FLICKR 2.17 SUMMARY The total number of buses in India has increased from 55 million in the year 2001 to million in the year Omni buses were first introduced in London in 1800.The number of omni buses registered in Tamilnadu which stood at 154 in the year had increased to 938 in Today internet is involved into the bus services and using internet, one can book the tickets through online. The passengers can book the tickets either through the omni bus agencies or through online. 85

45 The omni bus manufacturers design the buses according to the needs of passengers. Volvo, Multi-axle bus, Mercedes-Benz and Ashok Leyland are some of the famous omni buses designed by the omni bus manufactures. Now-a-days, comfort leads to luxury. Commercial vehicle manufacturers are now aware that the Indian luxury omni bus segment is currently valued at 3,000 crore, with an annual growth rate of 15 per cent to 20 per cent. By adding more value such as a pantry, Wi-Fi connectivity, washrooms and reclining seats, omni bus travel will definitely provide stiff competition to air and rail travel. 86