The APSRTC will modify Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) bus route in the city in view of losses that touched Rs.1 crore. In February after launch of the BRTS services on December 9, 2012, RTC made a deviation in the BRTS corridor route on the plea that the RTC was making losses.
Now, the RTC plans to extend the BRTS buses up to Pamarru to cover up the losses. If its plans were to be materialised, the waiting time for a BRTS bus will be 20 minutes as against existing 15 minutes. The RTC authorities expect that the proposal will help in improving the Earnings Per Kilometre (EPM). The EPM is Rs. 18 currently and is expected to touch Rs.20.
Placing the issue before the committee chaired by the Collector, the RTC authorities have asked for a share in the revenue generated through advertising etc. on the BRTS corridor. The advertisements, hoardings, advertisements on back of the tickets etc some of the revenues listed out. A modest estimate is Rs. 29 lakh per annum. The Collector also agreed to the proposal to share the revenue on 50:50 basis.
When contacted, RTC Executive Director M.S. Prakasa Rao said they incurred a loss of Rs. 30 lakh by plying eight buses. The EPM (earnings per kilometre) was mere Rs. 16 during the initial 45 days. The EPM improved after the route was modified and extended upto Kankipadu. It may be recalled that the RTC officials said the BRTS original plan of circular route – city terminus to city terminus covering Bandar and Eluru roads – was not viable and would leave the RTC with bleeding losses. To come out of the red, they suggested extending the route up to Kankipadu instead of plying in a circular route. Subsequently, the committee has approved their proposal.
