‘Exempt permits for mini luxury buses’

Coimbatore: Members of All India Tourist Vehicle Drivers Welfare Association have urged the central government to exempt permits for using mini luxury buses that have 14 to 19 seats.
Recently, the Union ministry of road, transport and highways has sought views from the state government and all stakeholders regarding its plan to exempt AC deluxe buses with a capacity of more than 22 passengers.
At present, private vehicle owners cannot run luxury buses on regular routes without a permit from the regional or state transport authority.
CP Balaji of the association said, “The central government in late 1980s exempted the vehicles that have four to 12 seats and 36 seats from getting permits. Now, the central government is planning to exempt the vehicles that has more than 22 seats. But, the requirement for the vehicles with seats between 14 and 19 is high. So, it should also be exempted.”
Pointing out the vehicles were modified as per the requirement, he said that it would be useful for the public as a minimum of 20–25 people gather whenever vehicles were booked for wedding or other functions.
Either the public were forced to rent additional vehicles or some of the vehicle owners ply without permit due to the practical difficulties in obtaining permit.