“The 217B bus which met with an accident in Kestopur had no proper ownership. The transfer of ownership did not take place. Yet it was plying on the road. I accept the responsibility of my department, but what can we do? The onus is on police to check such malpractice. The state government has asked the police and enforcement branch to check such matters,” Chakraborty said.

This comes in the wake of a CPM MP from Dum Dum, Amitava Nandy, making allegations that the state transport department granted permit to the errant bus after taking bribe.

On Wednesday, the state finance minister Asim Dasgupta and Chakraborty met union leaders of private buses, owners associations and others over the issue of errant buses at the Writers’ Buildings.

After the hour-long meeting, the transport minister said the government is increasing the amount of fine levied on errant private buses.

The government will introduce a salary system that will replace the current commission system for drivers and conductors. Besides all private buses and mini-buses will be brought under a corporation.

Moreover, previously the bus owners had to pay fines for the errant buses, the state government will now bring drivers and conductors under the purview of the penalty.

“We are talking with the private bus owners over this. We are also going to increase the fine amount manifold for violators of traffic rules and rash driving,” said Chakraborty.