Kerala RTC warns crew against denying info via phone

Kochi: Now the crew will face the music if they refuse to provide journey information to passengers calling on phone in Kerala RTC buses with online reservation facility.

Earlier the corporation had started providing mobile phone numbers of conductors of the buses in online tickets so that commuters can know about live running status, boarding points in between and any last minute change in schedule.

“We started giving mobile numbers of conductors of multi-axle AC buses to Bangalore first which turned out to be of great help to passengers. The facility was then extended to all buses with online reservation facility,” said a senior KSRTC official.

However, ever since extending the facility to Superclass buses other than multi-axle ones a couple of months back, the corporation has started receiving numerous complaints from passengers of the crew denying information on phone.

“A majority of the complaints charged the conductors with not picking up the phones intentionally. Also it was noticed that they refused to tell the commuters with information like route to the bus stand and boarding points other than the main stations,” the official said.

The Executive Director (Operations) gave a direction to all depot heads to take strict action including slapping fines and placing them on suspension against those failing in this regard.

“Upon taking such complaints we’ll take the statements of the affected commuters and conduct a primary level probe. If found guilty, depot heads can take action after obtaining permission of the headquarters,” the official said.