Old Buses and Minibuses Get a Lifeline: Fitness Tests Required for Continued Operation
In a significant progress for public transportation in West Bengal, the state’s Transport Minister, Snehasis Chakraborty, announced that 15-year-old buses and minibuses will not be immediately phased out. Instead, these vehicles will be allowed to continue operating, provided they pass biannual fitness tests. This decision comes after the West Bengal Transport Department agreed to long-standing demands from bus owners, and the Kolkata High Court has upheld this stance.
The High Court’s ruling allows privately owned commercial vehicles that are mechanically sound and environmentally friendly to remain on the roads,even if they exceed the 15-year age limit. This decision is a relief for manny operators who feared losing thier livelihoods due to stringent regulations. However, the National Green tribunal had previously mandated the removal of vehicles older than 15 years to protect the environment. The new fitness certification requirement, which must be obtained every six months, aims to balance the need for sustainable transport with the economic realities faced by bus operators. As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring that public transport remains accessible while also safeguarding the environment.
