No person shall enter or remain in any stage carriage for the purposes of travelling therein unless he has with him a proper pass or ticket:
Provided that where arrangements for the supply of tickets are made in the stage carriage by which a person has to travel, a person may enter such stage carriage but as soon as may be after his entry therein, he shall make the payment of his fare to the conductor or the driver who performs the functions of a conductor and obtain from such conductor or driver, as the case may be, a ticket for his journey.
Explanation.— In this section,—
(a) “pass” means a duty, privilege, or courtesy pass entitling the person to whom it is given to travel in a stage carriage gratuitously and includes a pass issued on payment for travel in a stage carriage for the period specified therein;
(b) “ticket” includes a single ticket, a return ticket, or a season ticket.
Simplified Explanation
Section 124 of the Motor Vehicles Act addresses the prohibition against traveling on public transport vehicles without a valid pass or ticket. This section is intended to ensure that all passengers have paid the appropriate fare for their journey, which is essential for the financial sustainability of public transportation systems and fair use policies. Here’s a detailed explanation of this section:
Under Section 124, it is illegal for any person to travel on a public transport vehicle without a valid pass or ticket, which must be obtained before boarding or as per the transport authority’s rules. The section also outlines the responsibilities of passengers to show or surrender their pass or ticket when requested by authorized personnel.
Key Points of Section 124:
- Requirement of a Ticket or Pass:
- Passengers must possess a valid ticket or pass while traveling on public transport. This applies to buses, trains, and other forms of public transit managed under the Motor Vehicles Act.
- Checking of Tickets:
- Transport personnel, such as conductors or ticket inspectors, are empowered to check the tickets or passes of any passenger to ensure they are valid for the journey being undertaken.
- Penalties for Violation:
- Traveling without a valid ticket or pass can result in penalties, which may include fines or other legal actions. The specific penalties can vary based on local laws and regulations.
- Duty to Produce Ticket on Demand:
- Passengers are required to produce their ticket or pass upon request by authorized personnel during the journey. Failure to do so can also lead to penalties, even if the passenger has a valid ticket but is unable to present it at the time of inspection.
- Prevention of Fraud and Fare Evasion:
- This provision helps prevent fare evasion, ensuring that all passengers contribute fairly to the operational costs of public transportation services.
Importance of Section 124:
- Revenue Protection: Ensures that public transportation authorities receive the appropriate revenue needed to maintain and improve services.
- Fairness: Maintains fairness among all passengers, ensuring that everyone pays their share for the service provided.
- Legal Compliance: Encourages adherence to the rules set forth by transportation authorities, fostering a culture of compliance and responsibility among passengers.
By enforcing this section, transportation authorities aim to maintain the integrity and financial viability of public transport systems, which are essential for urban mobility and accessibility.
