Motor Vehicles Act: Section 29 – Necessity for conductor’s licence

(1) No person shall act as a conductor of a stage carriage unless he holds an effective conductor’s licence issued to him authorizing him to act as such conductor; and no person shall employ or permit any person who is not so licensed to act as a conductor of a stage carriage.

(2) A State Government may prescribe the conditions subject to which sub-section (1) shall not apply to a driver of a stage carriage performing the functions of a conductor or to a person employed to act as a conductor for a period not exceeding one month.

Simplified Explanation

Section 29 of the Motor Vehicles Act stipulates that a person must hold a conductor’s licence to serve as a conductor on a public service vehicle, such as a bus. This section ensures that conductors are qualified and meet the legal requirements to perform their duties, which involve managing passengers, collecting fares, and ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers.

Key Points of Section 29:

1. Requirement for a Conductor’s Licence:
   • No person is allowed to work as a conductor on a public service vehicle unless they possess a valid conductor’s licence issued by the relevant licensing authority.
   • A conductor’s licence is required for individuals who assist in the operation of buses and other public service vehicles that carry passengers for hire or reward.
2. Public Service Vehicles:
   • The vehicles covered under this section are typically buses and other forms of public transportation that carry passengers. These vehicles are often part of state-run or private public transport systems.
   • A conductor’s licence is necessary for individuals working on vehicles that operate in urban or intercity bus services, ensuring they are properly trained to assist passengers and manage the vehicle’s operations.
3. Duties of a Conductor:
   • A conductor is responsible for various tasks such as:
     • Collecting fares from passengers.
     • Issuing tickets to passengers.
     • Ensuring that passengers board and alight safely.
     • Assisting the driver in ensuring the smooth operation of the vehicle.
     • Managing passenger behavior and ensuring compliance with safety rules.
   • These duties require specific skills and knowledge, which are assessed before issuing a conductor’s licence.
4. Licensing Authority:
   • The conductor’s licence is issued by the licensing authority of the region or state in which the public service vehicle operates. The application process includes meeting specific eligibility criteria, such as age, physical fitness, and possibly passing an exam or training course related to the duties of a conductor.
5. Eligibility Criteria:
   • The Central Government and State Governments may lay down the criteria for eligibility, which typically include:
     • A minimum age requirement (often 18 years or older).
     • A basic educational qualification (such as the ability to read and write).
     • Physical fitness to ensure the individual can handle the responsibilities of a conductor, which may involve standing for long periods and dealing with passengers.
     • Moral and behavioral conduct checks to ensure that the person is fit to work in a public-facing role.
6. Penalties for Non-Compliance:
   • Working as a conductor without holding a valid conductor’s licence is a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, and individuals found doing so may face penalties.
   • The employer (such as a bus company) may also be liable for employing a person without the necessary licence.
   • Penalties can include fines, suspension from working as a conductor, or other legal consequences.
7. Renewal and Validity of Conductor’s Licence:
   • Like driving licences, a conductor’s licence has a certain validity period and must be renewed after that period expires. The conductor is required to submit a renewal application and may be required to meet certain conditions to continue working.
   • The licensing authority has the power to suspend or revoke a conductor’s licence if the person is found to be unfit to carry out their duties or if they violate traffic or passenger safety regulations.

Purpose of Section 29:

• Passenger Safety and Service Quality: By requiring conductors to have a licence, this section ensures that only qualified individuals can serve as conductors on public service vehicles, contributing to passenger safety and efficient public transport operations.
• Professional Standards: The section establishes a legal framework for the role of conductors, ensuring that those who work in this capacity are vetted and trained to perform their duties effectively.
• Accountability: Requiring a conductor’s licence helps create accountability, as the licensing authority can take action against conductors who fail to fulfill their responsibilities or violate passenger safety rules.

Conclusion:

Section 29 of the Motor Vehicles Act mandates that anyone serving as a conductor on a public service vehicle must hold a valid conductor’s licence. This section ensures that conductors are qualified, promoting passenger safety and efficient public transportation. It also holds conductors accountable for their actions and sets professional standards for those working in public transport.