Banking News – The National Federation of Nepali Transport Entrepreneurs has decided to prioritize online bus ticket booking for public transport management targeting the festivals. Dekanath Gautam, General Secretary of the Federation, issuing a statement on Friday, informed that directives have been issued to make public transport management easy, safe, and organized during the festival period. The Federation has stated that directives have been issued to organize passenger safety, smooth movement, and public transport operations, keeping in mind the situation of heavy rainfall and flood and landslide risks across the country.

The Federation has requested effective monitoring in coordination with the Department of Transport Management, Nepal Police, Traffic Police, Lhotse Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd., and concerned consumer organizations. The Federation has stated that along with arranging advance ticket booking in public transport during festivals, priority should be given to online booking in ticket sales. General Secretary Gautam stated that arrangements have been made to operate vehicles only with a manifest containing details that reveal the identity of passengers.

Similarly, the Federation has stated that coordination should be made with concerned agencies for effective monitoring of passenger vehicles exiting and entering the valley, and transport entrepreneurs, companies, and institutions must arrange mandatory identity cards for employees issuing tickets.

The Federation has also directed to control ticket sales from unauthorized counters and by persons without identity cards and uniforms. Emphasis has been placed on passengers traveling by public vehicles compulsorily taking tickets, taking action if traveling after consuming alcohol, and purchasing tickets only from official counters or employees with identity cards.

The Federation has stated that vehicle drivers and employees must arrange meals and snacks for passengers only at locations that meet the standards set by the Government of Nepal. Keeping in mind the possibility of floods, landslides, and road blockages, concerned agencies have been requested to prioritize continuous inspection, necessary maintenance, and landslide control work on major roads and highways.

The Federation has stated that transport entrepreneurs will arrange necessary vehicles during the festival period, open route permits for passenger vehicles, and issue timely information after discussions with stakeholders regarding advance ticket booking and the movement of large vehicles.

Similarly, the Federation has also requested arrangements for checking the health status of drivers on long-distance vehicles, arranging another driver in place of a sick driver, and mandatorily keeping at least two drivers on public vehicles operating on long routes.

The Federation has also directed not to engage minors below 18 years of age as drivers or in other work, and to conduct effective monitoring and surveillance since vehicle pressure and road accident risks may increase during the festival period. The Federation has stated that as festivals approach, further discussions will be held on road and weather conditions, and necessary information regarding the date and time of opening advance tickets will be issued later.