Drivers of AP State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) are doing a commendable job in safely transporting commuters while having to constantly overcome the traffic maze, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner B. Ramanjaneyulu has said.
Participating as chief guest at the ‘Safety Awards Distribution Function' organised by the Visakhapatnam Region of APSRTC on Saturday, he said RTC drivers were constantly under stress in the discharge of their duties and one needs to understand and respect them.
He recalled his first job as a conductor in an RTC bus. “My father was a driver in the RTC. After completing M. Com and M. Phil, I joined the RTC but the officials in the corporation suggested that I pursue Civil Services, after seeing my qualifications,” he said.
Referring to roads in the city, Mr. Ramanjaneylu said that everyone was talking of good roads in Visakhapatnam but at the same time it should be remembered that these wide roads were attracting motorists to indulge in over speeding and haphazard driving, resulting in accidents.
He said that B. Prasada Rao, who has recently taken over as Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the RTC, has concern for the employees and hoped that the corporation would attain greater heights under his leadership.
The GVMC Commissioner said that there was no provision for IAS officers to become MDs of RTC but if given a choice, he would work for the RTC. “I love RTC buses and have been using them since my childhood to go to school and college,” he said and underlined the need to patronise the RTC further as use of public transport would ease the congestion on the roads besides reducing vehicular emissions.
He hoped that with the RTC planning to introduce AC buses on city routes, people using personal transport would switch over to RTC buses.
Mr. Ramanjaneyulu, who was presented a blazer by the RTC officials, presented to an RTC driver, while felicitating him for his ‘accident free' record.
Executive Director of Vizianagaram Zone of RTC A. Venkateswara Rao said that the special buses, introduced for students, were evoking good response. Regional Manager Y. Jagadeesh Babu presided.
Deputy Transport Commissioner K. Sambasiva Rao, B. Mohan Venkat Ram, a professor of Andhra University, Y. Srinivasa Rao and K.J. Subhakar, regional secretaries of National Mazdoor Union and Employees' Union respectively were among those who spoke.