The Times of India            11.12.2013

Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport books 1,910 for ticketless travel

VASHI: Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) has booked 1,910 cases during its drive against ticketless commuters from July to November, collecting a penalty of around Rs 2.10 lakh.

The list of violations reveals that a small percentage of women commuters - 18 or a mere 2.89% - were guilty of ticketless travel during November. Maximum violations were found at Vithaba stop on the Vashi-Thane route, which is between Dighe and Kalwa, said NMMT chairman, Anwar Shaikh. A total of 44 cases were booked at this stop. NMMT plies buses on the Thane route from Vashi, Panvel, Belapur and Airoli.

The transport body had booked the highest number of cases last month. It has also deputed the largest number of assistant ticket inspectors (ATIs) - 44 out of the total 51. Surprise checks are being done on 39 routes.

The checks are being conducted twice or thrice a week. The penalty is Rs 100 plus the ticket fare for the distance travelled.

NMMT said all the ATIs cannot be deployed as there are some who perform night duty.