KSRTC plugging up AC bus service to Bangalore

Kozhikode, Sep 2: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation's (KSRTC) air-conditioned (AC) bus service from Kozhikode to Bangalore has been stopped recently as KSRTC is replacing them with super-express air buses. The AC bus service, started in 2006, was stopped last month, said a source within the department.

Earlier two air-conditioned buses were operated to and from Bangalore after the launch. KSRTC says the bus service was stopped last month as the service became irregular due to breakdown of buses. The buses were operated for four years, which is the maximum period an AC bus can operate, sources said.

Leakage due to the rains is also a reason behind laying off the service. At the Same time the corporation doesn't have people to repair air-conditioners in case of any complaints. The services were also not economically affordable as the buses demanded huge maintenance costs, as said by a corporation official.

The AC buses were charged a fair of Rs 401 to Bangalore, compared to the Rs 575 the private bus operators are charging for AC buses to Bangalore. Private bus operators are carrying a large amount of goods from Bangalore, which add them more profit. AC buses, with a seating capacity of 44 seats, were having a collection of over Rs 25,000 compared to the Rs 35,000 of super expresses, said a KSRTC source.

KSRTC has also stopped two air-conditioned buses operating from Thrissur to Bangalore, according to the corporation's zonal office here.

It is operating 11 buses, including seven super-expresses, daily to Bangalore from Kozhikode.

KSRTC also cancelled two buses to Bangalore on Thursday citing mechanical defects as they don't have buses to replace them, said a source.

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