Transport activists and unions raise concerns over Karnataka RTCs’ contract model for bus operations
The Hindu
Following a recent protest by outsourced electric bus drivers of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), transport activists and transport employees’ unions are voicing opposition to the government’s operation of buses under the gross cost contract (GCC) model.
Following a recent protest by outsourced electric bus drivers of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), transport activists and transport employees’ unions are voicing opposition to the government’s operation of buses under the gross cost contract (GCC) model.
The activists and the unions claim that the GCC model of bus operation is going to lead to the privatisation of the State-run transport corporations.
On May 14, outsourced drivers of electric buses of BMTC Depot Number 3 staged a protest, alleging that the private company operating the electric buses under the GCC model had not paid their salaries.
The flash strike had resulted in a few buses from the depot not running for a few hours, especially during peak hours.
Vinay Srinivasa, member of the Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike, said: “Both the Union and the State governments are responsible for this strike. The Centre pushed the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme to benefit bus manufacturers, and not commuters. The State government accepted it. We have opposed this GCC model from the beginning. The BMTC should own all buses and employ its drivers.”
“Another point to consider is the injustice faced by the outsourced bus crew, who are paid less than the corporation’s crew despite performing the same work. Why aren’t they being paid the same wage?,” Mr. Srinivasa questioned.
The BMTC’s fleet includes 636 e-buses: 246 from TML Smart City Mobility Solutions Limited (a subsidiary of Tata Motors), 300 from Switch Mobility, and 90 from JBM Auto Limited. In the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), there are 50 electric buses from Olectra Greentech Limited.
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