President of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs Punya Prasad (Saroj) Sitaula has said that the use of technology and professional discipline are the essential requirements for the improvement of the public transport sector.

Speaking at the Monsoon Disaster Reduction Campaign program targeting roads and vehicles, President Sitaula made it clear that there is no room for entrepreneurs to turn back to make the transport sector modern and dignified. President Sitaula emphasized the need for the immediate implementation of GPS systems, online ticketing and cashless payment systems in vehicles.

He argued that technology is also necessary to find out the real details during accidents and end disputes on the road. He also urged the government and traffic police to make GPS systems mandatory while renewing vehicle check passes and route permits.

Stating that the trend of parking and picking up passengers on the road has added challenges to road management, he said that vehicles across the country should be operated from designated bus parks. He objected to the hotels operating on the highways serving unhealthy food to passengers and charging high fees.

‘If we buy vehicles worth crores, we should not skimp on installing GPS and digital systems for security and transparency. Passengers should also get used to walking a little to reach the bus park and vehicles should also stop waiting for passengers on the road,’ he said. ‘Accidents have increased due to drivers who play cards or drink all night and take passengers in the morning. Such drivers will be recommended for action.’