Hyderabad, March 23: All the harried city bus commuters in old city can now enjoy a comfortable bus journey as APSRTC is planning to introduce mini-buses in a week and ordinary fares will be charged in these buses.
Due to many reasons, including narrow roads, the Corporation suspended buses to different areas in old city. Political parties and social organisations conducted protest meetings demanding authorities to introduce buses in old city.
Better service
To offer better service to commuters in the region, the corporation is introducing 100 mini- buses, of which majority of them would be operated exclusive to different areas in old city.
“If things go as planned, these buses will be introduced on the city roads on March 27,” said G. Jaya Rao, Executive Director of APSRTC. The mini buses, which are 32-seater and 40-seater vehicles, are being re-introduced in the city after operating few services on the Hayathnagar, Dilsukahnagar and L.B. Nagar areas few years back. Authorities cited different reasons, including poor earnings and lack of leg space to commuters.
Though, mini buses generate good earnings per every km operated, the total Earnings Per Bus (EPB) of a mini bus is nearly Rs. 3000 per day, compared to Rs. 5,300 generated by a conventional ordinary bus. This difference of earnings is due to less number of seats in a mini bus.
Road tax
This loss of EPB can be covered, if the State government abolishes road tax for these mini buses. The Corporation pays nearly Rs. 2.70 paisa for every kilometre operated by ordinary bus and if this road tax is abolished, these mini buses would generate more revenue, said a senior officer.
“Based on the response from commuters, these mini buses can be operated as feeder services connecting Metro Rail stations and residential colonies,” he said.
Apart from mini buses, APSRTC is also planning to introduce 350 CNG buses in the city shortly. These buses would be operated from Medchal, Hakimpet and Cantonment depots.
“Bhagyanagar Gas Limited has assured commencement of CNG supply from April 15. Already, 40 CNG buses have been procured by APSRTC and the rest would be purchased shortly,” said Mr. Rao.
-Agencies