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Low-floor buses introduced in Kota

Special Correspondent

JAIPUR: A fleet of 12 low-floor buses has been introduced in the fast-expanding Kota city in Rajasthan as part of the State Government's plan to implement the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). The project is likely to be launched in major towns across the State by June next year.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, inaugurating the bus service in Kota over the weekend, said it would serve the city's transport needs and promote private participation in the sector. A new company, Kota City Transport Services Limited, has been set up for running the bus service.

Ms. Raje said the Kota Municipal Corporation and Urban Improvement Trust would jointly look after the management of BRTS for the time being. Six areas of heavy traffic pressure would be identified in the city for introduction of 26 ultramodern low-floor buses in the project's first phase.

The BRTS will entail an investment of Rs. 470 crores in Jaipur alone, while Jodhpur and Udaipur would be linked with the project subsequently. Ms. Raje said a consultant had been appointed recently to study the scope for launching BRTS in various cities of the State.

The low-floor buses have two large gates to facilitate fast entry and exit of passengers. The ticket system is fully computerised and the officials looking after the management have been given special training to render world-class services.

Ms. Raje said the major sources of income for the newly established company would be the bus fare, advertisements, passes and private participation. The fare structure has been devised in a manner that helps the daily commuters while maintaining a healthy competition in the existing system.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the company would ensure its accountability to people by having the Kota Mayor as its Chairperson, while the Collector would function as the Executive Director and Municipal Corporation's Executive Officer as its Chief Executive Officer.

Among the measures to ensure a hassle-free journey for commuters, the introduction of online bus tracking system and establishment of a control room will be the significant steps.

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