Bus operators call off strike

“The Administration has fixed the maximum speed at 40 km/hour. This will not only make it difficult to drive in high gear but also reduce the mileage of the vehicle. We will end up spending more on fuel. Also, if we drive at this speed, children will have to be picked up half an hour early and will also be dropped back late,” said Manjit Singh Saini, president of the association.

Unfamiliarity with the device is also another factor. “We do not know much about the speed governors and installing them at such a short notice is not possible. Since they are expensive, we also need to generate funds for it. This is an additional burden on us, the Administration should understand it,” rued Saini.

He said that instead of speed governors, the driver himself should be prudent enough not to risk the safety of children.

HS Doon, SP, Chandigarh Traffic Police, said: “We have verified with other cities about the feasibility and cost of speed governors.

They are affordable and have their utility in the buses. We will still take into consideration the operators’ point of view. We hope to arrive at a consensus before December 31.”