Kerala - Kochi   

Services by KSRTC an option

KOCHI: The ordinary fare for travel from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam by Vanchinad Express train is Rs.60. The train reaches Ernakulam Junction around 10 p.m. But if the passengers want to reach Ernakulam Town railway station, a few kilometres away, they may have to spend at least Rs.40–60 for hiring an autorickshaw.

This is a typical example of the harsh reality that the commuters have to encounter in the city. The city services operated by private buses are grossly inadequate and fail to serve the public when they need them the most.

An efficient facility for commuting is a dream cherished by most people living in the city or those arriving here on various purposes.

The very movement of the private buses presents a chaotic scene in the city roads for most part of the day. The hurried and disorganised running of private buses on the narrow stretches of roads is a fearsome sight.

Reaching the workplaces at the appointed time is an uncertain proposition for most commuters in the city. It is this reality that has forced many of them to depend on own conveyance. The result is that more two-wheelers and cars enter the city roads, choking the traffic further.

If a reliable public transport system is in place, hundreds of office-goers will be ready to adopt it which will effectively reduce the vehicular load on the roads.

There have been complaints galore against the private buses. So why is not the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) allowed to ply buses in the city?

The proposal had been submitted to the government several years ago, says KSRTC District Transport Officer Jayarajan. It is for the government to take a decision, he says. The KSRTC has been operating city services successfully in Thiruvananthapuram, along with private buses. In fact, a city service by KSRTC in Kochi would be a highly viable proposition for Kochi. It would help the KSRTC boost its revenue, according to him.

Though it would be ideal for the city roads to have mini buses, the KSRTC’s experience in running mini buses has not been rewarding. Apart from low returns, the Corporation had faced problems in getting spare parts for the mini buses.

Operating luxury buses on the city roads would be feasible if the roads could be spruced up. KSRTC has given orders to acquire a few luxury buses for operation on inter-State routes.

In fact, luxury buses would have to be pressed into service once the Smart City is established. It will be a preferred mode of transport for the IT companies even though many of the companies have their own transport, according to experts.

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