With a view to increase the advance booking network to augment revenue from interstate routes, KSRTC authorities have decided to appoint franchisees (private booking agents) for advance reservation of passenger tickets at various places in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa.
“We have 325 long-distance bus services in which tickets can be reserved in advance. At present, all outstation booking centres, except the one at Madiwala and Mathikere in Bengaluru are operated directly by the KSRTC. Around 4.5% of the total revenue will be given to the franchise holders,” said a senior KSRTC official.
After completion of five months from the date of temporary allotment, the franchisee – if found performing well – will be appointed as a regular franchisee. “Already around 30 parties have come forward showing interest. At the same time, stringent guidelines have been included in the contract so that franchisees do not indulge in fraud,” the official added.
In Tamil Nadu, authorities hope to allot 59 franchisees, covering all major cities. Forty-six franchisees in Karnataka, four each in Telangana and Maharashtra, six in Andhra Pradesh and three in Goa have also been listed.
News : Times Of India
