An association of bus and car operators has said that the Centre and States should give top priority to bus transport and create a conducive ecosystem that will result in ease of doing business and attract investments.

Ease of travel will be achieved only when the government addresses policy and regulatory issues, reduces taxes, which at present hurt commuters, offer better infrastructure and encourage public-private partnership, said KT Rajashekhara, Chairman of Bus & Car Operations Confederation India (BOCI).

Rajashekhara was speaking at an event to announce the second edition of Prawaas, a three-day event to be held in Mumbai from July 25 to bring together private bus and car operators, manufacturers, state transport units, policymakers and regulators.

This programme will address the grievances of the transport industry. The government has come up with transport management initiatives in technology, vehicular air pollution management, road safety, better public relations and road infrastructure development, said CD Thammanna, Karnataka Minister for Transport.

PPP models

The event is aimed at opening a dialogue between operators and policymakers. Transport services operators from 29 States and seven Union Territories will explore possibilities of deeper collaboration to evolve better Public Private Partnership models.

This year, Prawaas will focus on electric mobility and includes a 1.5 lakh sqft exhibition centre for bus and car manufacturers, bus body builders, component and accessories, maintenance equipment and services, training and skills, finance and insurance, STU’s and Tourism Boards. Ashok Leyland is the principal sponsor and Tata Motors is the Conference Host for the event. Other sponsors and exhibitors include Veera Bus, Bharat Benz, Mahindra, Eicher, Force Motors, Volvo, J-TAC, PayTM, Eberspaecher – Seutrak, Valeo Motherson, Bitla Software, VE Commercial, MRF, YES Bank, Lamilux (Germany), Intangles Lab, Allison Transmission and JCBL.