KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs has decided to prioritize online bus ticket bookings to ensure safe and organized public transport during the upcoming festive season.

General Secretary Deknath Gautam issued a statement directing transport operators to streamline services amid the ongoing risks of heavy rainfall and landslides across the country.

The federation has urged for effective monitoring in coordination with the Department of Transport Management, Nepal Police, traffic authorities, and Lhotse Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd. To enhance security, operators must ensure vehicles are dispatched with proper passenger manifests, and staff at ticket counters are required to carry mandatory identification cards.

The federation has strictly advised passengers to travel only with official tickets and warned against purchasing tickets from unauthorized counters or individuals without proper uniforms and identification.

Focusing on road safety, the federation has requested relevant authorities to prioritize the inspection and maintenance of major highways and to address landslide risks. For long-distance travel, operators are required to conduct health check-ups for drivers and must ensure at least two drivers are on board at all times.

Additionally, the federation has prohibited the employment of individuals under the age of 18 as drivers or in other operational roles.

Transport entrepreneurs have committed to coordinating with stakeholders regarding route permits and the management of large vehicles during the festive rush.

The federation stated that it will announce the specific date and time for opening advance ticket bookings after further assessing weather conditions and the state of road infrastructure.