RTC warns of strict action against attacks on its personnel

HYDERABAD: The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) management has condemned the recent attacks on its personnel while performing their duties.

"It is unreasonable to subject our staff, responsible for safely transporting an average of 55 lakh passengers daily, to abuse and attacks. TSRTC issues a stern warning that legal action will be taken against individuals interfering with staff duties, or committing assaults. In collaboration with the police department, steps will be taken to open history sheets against the perpetrators. The TSRTC management emphasizes that they will not overlook incidents undermining the morale of their staff," stated a TSRTC spokesperson in a press release on Wednesday.

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In recent events, female assailants targeted TSRTC conductors at three different locations. Two conductors from Hayat Nagar Depot-1 were verbally abused and attacked separately. In another incident, a woman, angered by a conductor's request for her identity card to issue a zero ticket, took his cell phone and verbally abused him. A female conductor at a picket depot faced an attack by some women in Yadagirigutta. TSRTC officials have filed separate complaints at the respective police stations of Rachakonda Commissionerate for these incidents, and investigations are ongoing. The RTC spokesperson said appropriate legal action would be taken against the culprits.

"TSRTC staff diligently adhere to company rules, with conductors continuing to issue tickets according to regulations. Passengers are urged to cooperate and take tickets during their journey; failure to do so may jeopardize the staff's jobs, leading to departmental action. TSRTC appeals to everyone to support the staff by following ticketing procedures," the spokesperson said.

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The Mahalakshmi scheme, providing free bus travel for women, is effectively implemented by TSRTC staff, transporting an average of 27 lakh women passengers daily. Staff reported instances of passengers using photocopies or smartphone images of identity cards instead of the original. TSRTC emphasizes that the original identity card must be presented to avail of the Mahalakshmi scheme. The TSRTC management said that the incidents of attacks have been causing distress among staff members.

"To address complaints and problems, TSRTC has established a robust system at the central office, Bus Bhavan. Passengers can contact the TSRTC call centre at 040-69440000 or 040-23450033, available 24/7, to report issues. Complaints can also be submitted through social media or directly at the nearest depot offices. TSRTC officials assure a prompt response to complaints and appropriate actions," the press release said, adding that losing patience and resorting to attacks or misbehaviour is not acceptable.