Sweeping aviation-model reforms sought for bus transport and terminals

A Parliamentary committee has proposed sweeping reforms for the bus transport and terminal sector, modeled after India's Airports Authority of India. The report, submitted to the Rajya Sabha, suggests creating a National Bus Terminals Authority, similar to Airports Authority of India, to develop, standardize and manage bus terminals nationwide. This authority would also implement a policy separating bus ownership from terminal management, akin to the aviation sector.

Additionally, the committee recommends a National Bus Digital Grid, akin to train tracking systems, to enable live tracking and booking of buses. It also proposes a unified All India Passenger Permit to streamline regulatory hurdles and publish operator safety ratings.

The report highlights the need for modern, user-friendly services, given that buses carry more daily passengers than the railway network. It suggests a National Code for Bus Terminals, prescribing minimum standards for sanitation, lighting, seating, security, signage, digital passenger information, and accessibility.

The committee also calls for dedicated peak-hour services for women and a periodic counting of bus passengers. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for a National Bus Digit Grid for tracking and booking buses, similar to the Election Commission's cVIGIL application, allowing passengers to lodge geo-tagged, time-stamped reports about bus conditions or conduct. Lastly, the report suggests bulk procurement and leasing models for electric buses and a scrapping incentive review for private operators.