It seems the KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) can’t stop coming up with ideas to slog its way to becoming a profitable entity. The latest in a series is a logistical initiative to transport bicycles to different parts of the state to offer a seamless but conceptual option.
KSRTC has modified two buses initially to launch the service from both ends of the state and the KSRTC MD is keen to launch the service in the first month of the new year. The public sector transport service is receiving encouraging responses to its recent advertisement, and women scooter riders are more reluctant to use the service as they find it difficult to negotiate the roads for long hours in the dark. hot, humid and dusty conditions.
“It is especially useful for working women who do transfers, many of whom currently resort to taking scooters on rent at the place of transfer,” said a senior KSRTC official.
In addition, another advantage is that, through the ramps attached to the bus doors, the scooters can be rolled directly to the road and to the place you want, while when they are taken on trains, it is difficult to remove them from the railway stations that also invite extra costs.
The KSRTC will make use of its wide network, connectivity and infrastructure across the state to give the best to the public with the new service.
“Now we are studying the fare of the railways and private operators and we will fix our fare later. KSRTC will not go for new buses to launch the service and instead modify the old buses, which will reduce the investment in such service. In addition to the ramps, hydraulic doors will be installed, and the bus platform will be reinforced, which are the major modifications after removing the seats. Our idea is to spread the service throughout the state by introducing more buses in response to the request,” said the official associated with the project.
KSRTC has named the service ‘Bike Express’ which comes after the highly successful courier service. KSRTC also feels that it can successfully compete with private operators in the new domain. KSRTC has also made a mark with its budget tourism service to destinations like Gavi and special budget services for festivals of places of worship across the state. They have been money spinners for struggling public sector entities. They earn as much as Rs 1.5 lakh per day for this.
