A futuristic plan for transport sector, formulated by the State government for the next decade, envisages reorientation of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) into Kerala State Transit Authority as part of formation of a Public Transit Authority. Accordingly, KSRTC is to be relieved of its duties of running the bus network in the three urban agglomerations of Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.
The proposal, contained in the State’s perspective plan for 2030, says the transit authority will be split into North, Central and South Zones. The managements for the three zones will be separate and will coordinate in deciding routes and schedule.
A Transport Regulatory Authority (TRA) for all the modes of transport is another key proposal. All transport operations will be monitored by the authority. It will also deal with modernisation of all public transport operations, including use of GPS systems, employing information and communication technology in traffic light system and to inform public about traffic schedules.
The transit authorities in each urban agglomeration will be mandated to operate and manage all modes of public transport services in their areas. Public city bus networks will come under the respective transit authorities. Water transport and rail transport will be associated with the transit authorities for matching schedules and tickets.
The plan offers less scope for the operation of private buses within the urban areas. Private buses may continue to ply intra and inter-State buses but not within the areas where better public transport system is available, according to the perspective plan.
