Upholding the Regional Transport Authority’s action granting permits to KSRTC to operate 22 buses along Goshree Bridge through Vypeen, the Kerala High Court hoped that it would commence the services at the earliest.
Justice V. Chitambaresh passed the order while disposing of a writ petition filed by Private Bus Operators’ Organisation and two others challenging the order of the Regional Transport Authority. By the order, KSRTC had been granted regular permit to operate 22 Thiru- Kochi buses through the Goshree bridges.
The petitioners had argued that the decision was illegal and the decision regarding KSRTC operating services had not been notified. However, in a petition, Rosy Arakkal of Vypeen pleaded for more KSRTC buses to Vypeen. According to her, Vypeen Island was “ill-served” even as of today. KSRTC services through the island had been a great relief to the island’s population. The petitioner said that more than four lakh people living in Vypeen would be benefited if the KSRTC operated its full service. Presently, the islanders were dependent on private buses and boat services to reach Ernakulam. The private buses operating between Vypeen and Kochi ended their service at the High Court Junction, and the passengers travelling in these buses to other areas of Kochi had to catch another bus to get to their destination.
The Association submitted that as many as 165 stage carriages were operating in the Vypeen sector between Munambam-Ernakulam High Court Junction and Parur-Ernakulam High Court junction. The decision to operate 22 stage carriages by the KSRTC adversely affected the services of existing private operators.
In a statement, the RTA pointed out that a large number of people from areas such as Kodungalloor, Parur, Njarakkal and Vypeen were benefited by the services since the permits allowed the KSRTC to operate through various points like Menaka, Thevara, Thopumpady, Edakochi, Kaloor and Aluva.
The Court also ordered that the private bus operators could apply for extension of their services to the city.
