Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police have implemented new rules on long-distance public bus services to better manage road congestion. Going forward, the traffic police could also change the system of route permits to ensure stricter enforcement of new rules and regulations.
The new rule aims at easing traffic congestion and improving mobility while also reducing road accident rates. Under the new system, long-distance buses will have to depart only from the designated bus parks. The authority is working on strictly implementing the rules.
The local traffic police have brought this plan after observing that buses were stopping on the roadsides, causing immense inconvenience to pedestrians, local buses, and passengers, even during peak hours. As a result, traffic congestion became widely common, affecting thousands daily.
“The capital’s road congestion is increasing, and the illegal roadside boarding and alighting by long-distance buses is further intensifying the problem. Therefore, to address this, all long-distance buses now must leave from their designated bus parks,” said SP Nareshraj Subedi, spokesman for the Valley Traffic Police Office. Also, the traffic authority is not ruling out a change of route permits for long-distance buses.
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GPS on public buses
Most importantly, the traffic police and the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) have coordinated to rule that all the long-route buses must install GPS. And with the motif for integrated surveillance, the authorities are requiring them to have CCTV and dashboard cameras in buses. Primarily, the objectives here are to monitor speed and improve safety on highways and promote security for passengers, drivers, and all.
GPS trackers, CCTV, Dashcams, and other tools help authorities perform remote monitoring of vehicles.
Strict on drivers’ discipline, too
The Kathmandu Traffic Police is also enforcing stricter road discipline for drivers. While these rules are common, the traffic officials are increasing their intensity in inspection and maintaining the prevailing sets of rules and regulations.
Drivers who violate traffic rules, such as crossing the red light, speeding, drinking and driving, using drugs, or being under the influence, have to take traffic rule awareness classes. At the same time, an online awareness program has been initiated for the regular folks. It provides information on traffic rules and safety measures, and promotes compliance with regulations.
Kathmandu has used smart traffic lights and pelican traffic signals, among various measures, to improve the road experience and safe travel. The new rules for long-distance bus services shall further help in managing traffic congestion in the city and improving the experience for passengers, pedestrians, entrepreneurs, and the city’s broader management goals, and all concerned.
