Operators finding it unviable to run Metro buses
20 Jun 2020 00:55:12
Metro bus awaiting passengers. (Pic by N K Budhodi)
Staff Reporter ;
Plying of Metro buses with less passenger occupancy has emerged as an issue of serious concern for Jabalpur City Transport Services Limited (JCTSL). Apparently the JCTSL has pressed 22 metro busses into service but with sparse number of passengers below the permitted number of 50 per cent of total occupancy, the bus operators find it troublesome to continue with plying of buses.
According to information, the public transportation in Jabalpur was the first to resume in the post-lockdown period. The JCTSL, taking gravity of trouble caused to people belonging to various sections of society, started plying of buses but with reluctance of bus operators. Reportedly metro bus operators were reluctant to resume plying of buses with low occupancy with restriction imposed by administration pertaining to 50 per cent of permitted capacity approved by the RTO. However the fear among people belonging to various sections of society has proved abortive for plying of metro buses in Jabalpur.
Only a handful of passengers are opting to use metro buses. At present, 22 buses have been pressed into service for covering municipal jurisdiction. On an average a bus hardly earns less than Rs 1000 by the close of the day which has become issue of concern for operators who find it difficult under prevailing circumstances.
JCTSL CEO also expresses concern CEO, JCTSL, Sachin Vishwakarma, responding to this newspaper, expressed concern on the present passenger occupancy in metro buses across municipal jurisdiction. “We are putting out best efforts to make operators to continue with plying of buses. We are looking forward to get government funding for operation of buses.”