Chikkamagaluru: In the year 1990 a private transport company named Shankar Transport had managed to gain total control over the entire public transport system of the district. During those years, laborers working for the aforesaid transport company were demanding minimum wages and basic facilities for all employees. The management of private company refused to accept their demands and preferred to shut down the operations instead.
Employees in dire straits pleaded the management to resolve their problems through negotiations. When the management of the privately owned company refused to budge, labour union leaders B M Sundaresh and H M Renukacharya intervened to resolve the crisis. They suggested employees running the company on co-operative basis. Those sincere efforts gave birth to ‘Sahakari Transport’ where employees not only managed to run the company but succeeded in owning it over a period of time.
Since 1991, Sahakari transport became the lifeline for all people living in Shringeri,Kalasa, Koppa and NR Pura areas. The buses started reaching destinations which are not covered by state owned road transport corporation buses. Most people relying on state owned buses fail to reach their desired destinations due to irregular services and poor connectivity.
In these situations, Sahakari transport buses have been serving people for over 25 years offering qualitative service. Today, with a fleet of over 80 buses, Sahakari transport has won accolades not only from India but abroad too.
Sahakari Transport Company was honored by Japanese co-operative sector in recognition of its services. Today, the company is recognized in Asia for its service since it has immensely contributed to the social and economic development of the remote regions in the district.
Green coloured Sahakari buses ferry customers living in Malnad areas by offering passes with reduces fare and have opened a new chapter in the history of co-operative movement.
The silver Jubilee celebrations this year provided yet another silver lining for the splendid services offered by ‘Sahakari Transport’.
