The grim reality of approximately three private buses withdrawing from service every day in Kerala has prompted bus operators to think of investing in air-conditioned buses.
A few such buses for inter-district trips were withdrawn from service due to operational difficulties. The rethink on introducing value-added services comes in the wake of a fall in patronage, thanks to frequent fare hikes and low comfort levels and convenience, vis-a-vis private vehicles. On its part, the Kerala Urban Road Transport Corporation (KURTC) has not been able to cater to the demand for air-conditioned buses, since around half of its low-floor bus fleet are under repair.
“We are open to introducing AC bus services, including on routes within the city, since youth and a good share of regular commuters prefer to travel in comfort,” said K.B. Suneer, general secretary of the Ernakulam District Private Bus Operators’ Association.
Govt notification
All that is needed is a government notification, specifying the ticket fare, and it will bring those who opted for cars and bikes back to buses, he added. “In the long run, bus operators will need government subsidy to replace diesel-powered buses with electric ones. This is because we would need a capital investment of over ₹1 crore, though expenses on sourcing electricity will be negligible,” Mr. Suneer said.
According to Dejo Kappen, managing trustee, Centre for Consumer Education, observance of Bus or Public Transport Day will be meaningless, unless commuters are offered a choice of reliable and comfortable options including AC buses. “Such services can be offered at affordable rates if the government slashes the tax structure on buses by a considerable margin. They must be introduced on both intra and inter-district routes. Such long-distance private buses will have many takers, since most KURTC inter-district buses divert from the NH to call at regional bus depots, increasing the journey time,” he said.
“Air-conditioned buses can be introduced through a Government Order. Private bus operators must opt for company-manufactured AC buses than convert ordinary buses into air-conditioned ones by retrofitting them with compressors,” said Ernakulam RTO Regi P. Varghese.
“Each such bus will take away 30 cars from the road, lessening congestion, accidents, noise, and air pollution. Bus operators must be given tax concession, since they pay as high as ₹1.20 lakh as tax per bus per year,” he added.
