On revitalising the fleet of 70 Thirukochi buses that operated within the city and to suburban towns, but whose numbers fell recently, Mr. Chacko said sourcing of spare parts had been streamlined.
The city will get its legitimate share from 1,500 buses that the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) intends to roll out the coming year.
Establishing Kerala Urban Transport Corporation with Kochi as its headquarters will further consolidate the firm’s position in the public transport realm of the city, KSRTC CMD Antony Chacko has said.
He was speaking to The Hindu about steps being planned to expand the firm’s presence in Kochi, where commuters are largely at the mercy of private buses.
On revitalising the fleet of 70 Thirukochi buses that operated within the city and to suburban towns, but whose numbers fell recently, Mr. Chacko said sourcing of spare parts had been streamlined.
“Spares and tyres are being supplied on a regular basis to ensure that maximum number of buses operate services. Simultaneously, buses that are 13 years old are being decommissioned and newer ones added to ensure that KSRTC has a healthy fleet of buses.”
On how the agency intended to put an end to ‘convoy services’ that hamper efficient fleet utility and make a dent into revenue, Mr. Chacko said a software was being readied to root out the practice.
Once implemented, buses will not ply as a group.
Late night buses
To a question on KSRTC’s poor response to operating buses along major routes after 8 p.m., when most private buses terminate trips and commuters are left stranded, he said it would be looked into and steps would be taken to alleviate the suffering of commuters.
“KSRTC must consolidate its position in Kochi city since commuter patronage is assured all through the day, unlike in places like Thiruvananthapuram where there is demand mainly during peak hours,” said Dijo Kappen, managing trustee of the Centre for Consumer Education. Mr. Kappen demanded that night services be introduced in Vyttila-Vyttila circular and other routes.
The Hindu