Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada Bus Operators’ Association is looking forward to taking over the maintenance of the State Bank bus stand, which lacks basic facilities. The association aims to ensure that passengers and bus employees get proper facilities.At present, the bus stand maintained by Mangaluru City Corporation lacks several basic amenities for passengers and bus staff. Dakshina Kannada Bus Operators’ Association former president Jayasheela Adyanthaya said that although the Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) renovated the bus stand, it lacks several basic facilities. “The association made a representation seeking basic facilities at the bus stand. The bus stand has no facilities for commuters to wait, and there is no restroom. Even drivers, conductors, and other employees faced difficulties due to the lack of facilities,” he said.He also pointed out that there are no proper footpaths for pedestrians in the bus stand and outside. Further, the bus stand also has no office for the bus owners association, where city bus passes may also be issued. The association submitted memorandums to the district administration and MCC to make the century-old bus stand a full-fledged one. However, none of the demands were considered, he added.Incumbent president of the association, president Azeez Parthipady said that the association is ready to take up the maintenance to ensure basic facilities for passengers and bus employees at the bus stand. “The entire functioning of the bus stand is not systematic, and there is no cleanliness. If the bus stand maintenance is handed over to private agencies, they look only at monetary benefits. We do not want any monetary benefits. Further, we know all the shortcomings at the bus stand. With the available funds, we will take up the maintenance work. Soon after receiving permission, the association will commence the maintenance,” he added.MCC commissioner Ravichandra Naik said that the city corporation is considering the request of the bus owners, who are ready to take up the maintenance of the bus stand.
